What is RSE and PSHE?

RSE stands for Relationships and Sex Education. PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education and often includes Citizenship. 

Together, RSE & PSHE support pupils to understand themselves, their relationships with others and the world around them. Through this learning, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to build healthy relationships, care for physical and mental wellbeing, understand their role in society and stay safe in a range of situations, including online.

 

Why learn RSE and PSHE?

RSE & PSHE support pupils’ wellbeing, relationships and safety, meeting statutory guidance. Key areas include:

• Relationships Education (families, friendships, respect, positive relationships).
• Health Education (physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles, safety).

While skills like resilience and communication are sometimes assumed to develop naturally, varying home and world experiences mean this is not always the case. Explicit RSE & PSHE teaching ensures all pupils learn and practise these skills (e.g. managing emotions, communication, decision-making) in a structured way.

RSE & PSHE create a safe space for pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and reflect on real-life situations. Revisiting key themes each year allows learning to build gradually, helping pupils develop confidence, understanding and strategies for everyday life.

What will children learn?

At Anson we use the Kapow Primary RSE & PSHE scheme of work where pupils learn about a range of topics that support their wellbeing, relationships and personal development.

These topics are organised into key areas, which are revisited across different year groups so pupils can build their understanding and confidence as they move through primary school.

Key areas

• My healthy self – learning how to look after mental and physical health and making choices that support wellbeing.
• Connecting with others – learning to build positive relationships, communicate with respect and understand the importance of kindness and boundaries.
• The online world – learning to use the internet safely, recognise risks and behave responsibly when communicating or accessing information online.
• Citizenship – learning how to take part in their communities, understand rules, rights and responsibilities, appreciate diversity and fairness and develop early financial literacy.
• Staying safe – learning how to recognise risks, respond safely in different situations and seek help when something feels wrong or unsafe.
• Growing up – learning about the changes that happen as they grow, including puberty and developing bodies and how to manage these changes with confidence.
• Health protection – learning how to prevent illness, manage basic first aid and understand how hygiene, vaccines and healthy habits help keep people well.

In Reception, RSE & PSHE learning focuses on developing the skills set out in the Early Years Framework for Personal, Social and Emotional Development. These include:

• Self-regulation – understanding feelings, managing emotions and beginning to control behaviour.
• Managing self – developing independence, resilience, understanding rules and looking after personal needs.
• Building relationships – learning to work and play with others, form friendships and show care for others.

Kapow Primary’s Reception units are designed to support these areas through age-appropriate activities, stories and discussions, helping pupils develop the foundations they need for learning and relationships as they move through school.

How can I find out exactly what my child is learning in each year group?

On the bottom of this page you can find a short year-group overview of topics or unit Knowledge organisers – simple, two-page pupil documents summarising key ideas.

For details on how RSE & PSHE are taught in your child’s school, refer to the Relationships Education Policy & PSHE policy.

Will my child be taught Sex education?

In primary schools, Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory parts of RSE & PSHE. Sex education is not statutory at primary level and this is not covered at Anson. However, the statutory science curriculum is taught at the school. 

The impact

• All members of the school community feel valued and appreciated
• Children are able to express their thoughts and ideas in an open and supported manner
• There is a high value placed on discussion and understanding of others opinions.
• Children try new things, push themselves and persevere.
• Children understanding of how to stay safe, healthy and develop good relationships.
• To have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a multicultural society.
• Children have a strong self-awareness.
• Child are compassionate.
• Children are happy, confident and creative with a love of life and learning.