RSHE
Across both schools within the Federation, good relationships are fundamental to our ethos and our success in creating a happy, caring, and safe environment. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) represents lifelong learning concerning relationships, emotions, self-care, diverse family structures, sex, sexuality, and sexual health. Our primary aim is for the children in our schools to acquire appropriate knowledge, develop essential skills, and form positive beliefs, values, and attitudes. RSE plays a pivotal role in the personal, social, moral, and spiritual development of young people, thus underpinning their overall well-being.
To achieve this, the RSE curriculum is systematically woven into our educational framework using Educator Solutions resources. It is specifically taught through explicit lessons in the PSHE and Science curricula, while also being embedded across other areas of the curriculum and the day-to-day experiences within the school. In PSHE, RSE is thoroughly covered in the units ‘Relationships’ and ‘Changing Me’, whilst in Science, the statutory requirements are addressed through ‘Animals Including Humans’ and ‘Living Things and Their Habitats’. Additionally, some aspects are explored in the Religious Education curriculum.
Children receive instruction from familiar adults with whom they have established a strong rapport, fostering constructive and supportive discussions around sensitive topics in a safe and secure environment. Staff are provided with in-house Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to equip them with the necessary skills to respond effectively to the individual needs of children and support them with any questions or concerns. In instances where staff feel uncomfortable or uncertain about delivering certain elements of the RSE curriculum or handling individual pupil needs, they are aware of available avenues for seeking guidance and support.
Our RSE curriculum is carefully mapped through progression grids for both PSHE and Science, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all statutory elements by the conclusion of the primary phase. These components are delivered at an appropriate developmental stage for our pupils, reinforcing our high expectations of behaviour, interpersonal relationships, and respect and tolerance for others. These principles reflect the British Values that are upheld within our community and the wider societal context. Through our robust and progressive curriculum, children develop essential life skills, preparing them for the wider world beyond primary education—a world in which they can sustain their health and safety while nurturing positive relationships.
The impact of our RSE curriculum is measured by the attainment standards achieved across the school, which we strive to ensure meet or exceed national expectations. We continuously assess both the implementation and effectiveness of our RSE curriculum to guarantee the highest outcomes across all year groups, thereby providing the necessary support for all children to develop a clear understanding of the complexities surrounding relationships and sexual matters. This approach ensures they possess a secure knowledge base and skill set to navigate these issues both now and in the future.
Ultimately, through our RSE curriculum, we aspire to enhance children’s education, fostering their growth into confident individuals. We aim to instil in them a positive body awareness, comprehensive knowledge on maintaining their safety and health, and the ability to respect, tolerate, and understand diverse family and friendship groups, which will aid them in forging and maintaining positive relationships throughout their lives.