Intent

At Larwood School, our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum is designed to support pupils in developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build healthy relationships and understand the changes they experience as they grow.

As a school supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, we provide a safe and supportive environment where sensitive topics can be explored with care and respect.

Our RSE curriculum helps pupils to:

• understand what healthy relationships look like
• develop respect for themselves and others
• recognise personal boundaries and consent
• understand physical and emotional changes during puberty
• learn how to keep themselves safe both offline and online

RSE is delivered in line with statutory Relationships and Health Education guidance and is carefully adapted to meet pupils’ individual needs. Our aim is to prepare pupils for the next stage of their education by promoting self-esteem, resilience and respect for diversity.

Implementation

Relationships and Sex Education is taught as part of the PSHE curriculum, using the Jigsaw programme as the foundation for learning.

Lessons are delivered in small, supportive groups, allowing pupils to ask questions, reflect on their learning and feel reassured when discussing sensitive topics.

Key themes explored include:

• Healthy relationships – understanding friendships, families and respect
• Emotional wellbeing – recognising and managing feelings
• Growing and changing – learning about physical and emotional changes during puberty
• Keeping safe – understanding personal boundaries, consent, online safety and where to seek help

Teaching is carefully adapted to ensure it is age-appropriate, inclusive and accessible for all pupils. Staff use clear language, visual resources and structured discussions to support understanding.

Mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies are also used to help pupils manage feelings or anxieties that may arise during discussions.

Parents and carers are informed about the content of RSE lessons and are given opportunities to discuss the curriculum. In line with statutory guidance, families may request that their child be withdrawn from the non-statutory sex education elements of the programme.

Impact

Through our RSE curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge and confidence to understand relationships, personal safety and the changes that occur as they grow.

By the time pupils leave Larwood School they will:

• understand the importance of respectful and healthy relationships
• recognise personal boundaries and the concept of consent
• understand the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up and puberty
• know how to keep themselves safe, including online
• know who to speak to if they need help or support

Impact is measured through:

• pupil voice and feedback
• observations of pupils’ social interactions and behaviour
• teacher assessment of understanding and engagement

Pupils leave Larwood with the knowledge, confidence and emotional resilience needed to navigate relationships safely and respectfully as they move into the next stage of their education.