PSHE and RSE at Woodcote Primary School
At Woodcote, we want every child to feel safe, valued and confident to express their thoughts and feelings. Our PSHE and Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) curriculum supports children to grow up healthy, happy and safe, and equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in modern Britain.
We teach PSHE through the Jigsaw PSHE programme, supported by IPC Health and Well‑Being units, ensuring a rich, mindful and inclusive approach that develops the whole child.
Our Vision
We believe PSHE should be woven through everyday school life. Children learn best when they feel secure, respected and listened to. Our curriculum helps pupils:
- build positive, healthy relationships
- understand and manage their emotions
- stay physically and mentally healthy
- develop independence, resilience and social awareness
- become active, responsible citizens in their communities
Adults model respectful communication and create safe spaces where children can share as much or as little as they choose.
Curriculum Overview
We teach discrete PSHE lessons once a week, following the Jigsaw structure, with all year groups working on the same theme at the same time. The six Jigsaw Puzzles are:
- Being Me in My World
- Celebrating Difference (including anti‑bullying)
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me (including Puberty and Human Reproduction Education)
These are complemented by IPC Health and Well‑Being topics, helping children understand that PSHE is part of everyday life.
Relationships Education, Health Education and Sex Education
At Woodcote, we teach:
Statutory Relationships Education and Health Education
This includes friendships, families, online safety, feelings, personal boundaries, healthy lifestyles and mental wellbeing.
Non‑statutory Sex Education
This is taught in Years 5 and 6 within the “Changing Me” unit and includes human reproduction. Parents are informed in advance and may request to withdraw their child from these specific lessons only.
Progression and When Content Is Taught
- Puberty is taught in Years 4-6
- Human reproduction is taught in Year 6
- All content is age‑appropriate, factual and delivered sensitively
How RSE Is Taught
RSE is taught by class teachers who know the children well. Lessons include opportunities for discussion, reflection and questions. When external visitors support learning, they do so under staff supervision and in line with our safeguarding and curriculum policies.
Teachers answer children’s questions honestly and age‑appropriately. If a question falls outside the curriculum, or if a child has been withdrawn from a specific lesson, staff provide a neutral, factual response and encourage the child to speak with their parent or carer.
Accessibility and Inclusion
We ensure PSHE and RSE are accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND. Adaptations may include:
- visual supports
- simplified language
- pre‑teaching
- additional adult support
- personalised resources
We work closely with parents where individual adjustments are needed.
Assessment
Children reflect on their learning through PSHE journals, discussions and the Jigsaw “Help Me Reflect” activities. These help teachers understand pupils’ wellbeing, progress and understanding, and inform future planning.
Safe Learning Environment
A safe, open and respectful environment is essential. Each class agrees to the Jigsaw Charter, which includes:
- taking turns to speak
- using kind and positive words
- listening to each other
- the right to pass
- respecting privacy
Circle time is used as a safe space for sharing, but no child is ever pressured to speak.
Right to Withdraw & Access to Materials
Parents may request to withdraw their child from the non‑statutory Sex Education elements of the curriculum.
Parents are warmly invited to view any of the lesson materials we use. We encourage families to contact the class teacher if they would like to see resources, discuss lesson content or ask questions about how topics are taught. We are committed to transparency and partnership with parents.
Policy Development and Review
Our PSHE and RSE policy is produced in consultation with staff, governors and parents. It is reviewed annually and approved by the governing body to ensure it reflects statutory guidance and the needs of our school community.