At Hollins Grundy, our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) work together to support the personal development, wellbeing and safety of every child. While PSHE and RSE are taught as distinct areas, they are closely linked and together provide pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to navigate the modern world.

Through PSHE, children learn about physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing, staying safe (both online and offline), and how to build respectful relationships. RSE builds on this by helping pupils understand family and friendships, how relationships develop, and the changes that happen during puberty. These topics are approached with sensitivity, using age-appropriate resources and creating a safe space for discussion.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage at Hollins Grundy, the foundations of PSHE and RSE are built through the Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) area of the EYFS Framework. Children learn to build relationships, manage emotions, and develop a sense of self within a safe and nurturing environment. Through play, stories and everyday routines, children begin to understand important concepts such as friendship, kindness, taking turns, and personal boundaries. They are encouraged to express their feelings, respect others, and recognise how to keep themselves healthy and safe.

Our curriculum helps children to develop a strong sense of self, make informed choices, and understand their rights and responsibilities. We also encourage pupils to recognise when something doesn’t feel right, and know how and where to seek help.

By building these life skills, our PSHE and RSE teaching prepares children to stay safe, form positive relationships and lead happy, healthy lives both now and in the future.

At Hollins Grundy Primary School, our PSHE and RSE curriculum is delivered through a well-structured and carefully planned approach that supports pupils’ personal development, emotional wellbeing, and understanding of the world around them. We implement our curriculum through a combination of the Learning Challenge Curriculum, high-quality classroom practice that creates space for sensitive and inclusive teaching and incorporating an understanding of mindfulness and mindful practice.

Our Learning Challenge curriculum uses key questions to drive learning, promote curiosity, and encourage deeper thinking. These questions provide a starting point for pupils to explore identities, understand rules and responsibilities, and appreciate respect and difference in a safe and supportive environment.

We ensure that sensitive topics are taught with care, using age-appropriate language and resources, while fostering an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. Staff are trained to respond appropriately to pupil needs and to facilitate open, honest, and respectful discussions.

Regular class discussions, circle times, and reflection opportunities are key components of our approach. Pupils are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings, listen to others, and challenge ideas respectfully. Activities are planned to promote critical thinking, empathy, and moral reasoning, allowing children to explore real-life scenarios and reflect on their own values and choices.

Throughout all year groups, PSHE and RSE are woven into the wider curriculum, collective worship, school ethos and pastoral care. We work closely with parents and carers to ensure our teaching complements learning at home and reflects our shared commitment to the wellbeing and personal development of every child.