PSHE

Personal Social Health Education (PSHE)

Intent:      The vision for PSHE + RSE at Cottons

At Cotton Farm Primary Academy, we intend for all children to be exposed to a global, interconnected world through real life experiences being taught throughout the curriculum to enable them to become a good citizen. From EYFS to UKS2, the children will be given opportunities to be able to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, critical thinking, risk management and team working. We will also introduce the risk factors that will affect their wellbeing and allow time for children to critically think about the dangers they could face. We create an ethos where children can be as happy, safe and healthy as possible.

Every day, KS1 and KS2 watch news round which gives the children insight to the world around them and different perspectives to discuss and learn from. EYFS focus on the development matters statements which include PSED and UTW each day through their continuous provision. These discussions promote children to be able to manage and regulate their emotions, build their self-confidence which would allow them to stick up for what they believe in. We also promote the children to create secure relationships throughout their lives. Whilst building secure and trusting relationships with their peers and adults in school, the children feel safe in their learning environments and are confident to discuss any worries or problems they may endeavour.

In school, we explicitly teach the children about different cultures, beliefs and traditions worldwide which promotes equality and diversity and respect to all others. This allows all children to feel a sense of belonging in school and appreciation for others no matter what differences they have.

Children need to recognise the importance of health, both mentally and physically, of themselves and others around them. Trustworthy discussions are welcomed in safe environments for inquisitive minds to understand in depth how this may affect them in life. This encourages children to recognise danger and when they may need to seek adult support for any concerns or emotions they experience that they are unsure how to manage. We also promote the understanding of the need to stay fit and healthy and how this contributes to keeping their minds healthy too.

Children can achieve aspects of the Harmony Pledge through the PSHE curriculum, Respect is an integral element that runs throughout our curriculum, respect for yourself as well as others.   Our assemblies reinforce learning in the classroom by giving learners the opportunities to share their achievements and discuss current affairs. 

Implementation    

PSHE is taught as a separate lesson in each year group but also discretely through everything we do. Many classes have circle time which can be planned or spontaneous depending on the circumstances of the day. This gives the children chance to discuss feelings, learn how to take turns in conversations, encourages listening skills and allows each child to be heard and express themselves. News events learnt about on Newsround and playground activities have a huge effect on children so it is important for teaching staff to recognise whether the children need an instant intervention as a whole class, small group or individual.

All teachers build on the characteristics of each learner as they grow through the school. This is done through building strong relationships and staff taking time to learn the needs of each individual. This year, the bubble system due to the global pandemic, has emphasised the importance of relationships between staff and pupils. These relationships are secure enough that children maintain them throughout their journey in school. Transition days for children moving up the school and induction mornings for new learners help to develop these relationships and meetings with previous teachers help establish the understanding of each individual. We also allow time for our pupils to visit their secondary school to prepare them before they move on from their Lakeside journey.

Throughout the school year, we hold events such as: Summer fayre, Christmas Fayre, craft mornings and productions, for parents and carers to attend which enables strong relationships to develop and allows the children to share their environment with other trusted adults. This strengthens relationships between adults in school and parents and carers.

We also use both non-fiction and fictional books to help children relate to different aspects of their lives and give them the confidence to talk about these topics. These books promote discussion and understanding of emotions, health and wellbeing. Video clips are also used to help these discussions and the promotion of equality and diversity.