Intent

At Larwood School, our PSHE curriculum aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and values they need to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.

We want pupils to develop resilience, confidence and empathy, enabling them to build positive relationships, understand themselves and make informed decisions. As a school supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, PSHE plays a central role in helping pupils understand and regulate their emotions, develop self-awareness and strengthen their social skills.

Through our curriculum, pupils learn about mental and physical health, relationships, personal safety, and life in modern Britain. We aim to nurture the whole child, supporting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) while promoting the core British Values of respect, tolerance, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty.

We deliver PSHE through the Jigsaw programme, which provides a structured and progressive approach that includes statutory Relationships Education and Health Education, as well as age-appropriate Sex Education.

Implementation

PSHE is taught weekly through the Jigsaw PSHE scheme, which combines emotional literacy, mindfulness and social skills development within a carefully structured curriculum.

The programme is organised into six themed units taught throughout the year:

• Being Me in My World
• Celebrating Difference
• Dreams and Goals
• Healthy Me
• Relationships
• Changing Me

Each unit builds on previous learning and provides opportunities for pupils to explore their thoughts and feelings through discussion, reflection and practical activities.

Jigsaw incorporates mindfulness techniques, helping pupils develop strategies to manage emotions, improve focus and build self-awareness.

PSHE learning is also reinforced through:

• assemblies and themed awareness days
• cross-curricular learning opportunities
• everyday interactions and mentoring within school

Sensitive topics are taught in a safe and supportive environment, allowing pupils to ask questions and express their ideas respectfully.

Teachers adapt lessons to ensure they are accessible and inclusive for all pupils, supporting different learning needs and encouraging participation from every child.

Impact

Through our PSHE curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge and confidence needed to understand themselves and interact positively with others.

By the time pupils leave Larwood School they will:

• understand how to manage emotions and build resilience
• develop positive relationships and show empathy towards others
• demonstrate respect for diversity and equality
• understand how to keep themselves safe and healthy
• make thoughtful and informed decisions

Impact is measured through:

• pupil voice and discussions about learning
• observation of behaviour and social interactions
• examples of pupils’ work and reflective activities
• monitoring of pupils’ wellbeing and engagement

PSHE supports pupils in becoming confident, respectful and responsible individuals, prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.