Grange Farm Primary SchoolPSHE & RSE
At Grange Farm Primary School, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is a fundamental part of our curriculum. It supports children to become confident, responsible and emotionally resilient individuals who are prepared for life in a complex and ever-changing world.
Through PSHE, we aim to prepare pupils for adult life by developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make informed choices, manage relationships positively and look after their physical and mental wellbeing. Our curriculum promotes self-esteem, emotional literacy and resilience, helping children to develop problem-solving skills, self-regulation strategies and confidence in communicating their thoughts and feelings.
We encourage pupils to show respect for themselves and others within their local, national and global communities. Children are supported to explore and respect values held by different cultures, families and groups, fostering understanding, inclusion and positive attitudes. Honesty, kindness and respect are central to all learning, and children are encouraged to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.
PSHE lessons are age-appropriate and carefully sequenced to reflect children’s maturity. They support pupils to develop an increasing understanding of their health and wellbeing, including both mental and physical health. By the time children leave our school, we aim for them to feel confident in managing change, making safe choices and taking responsibility for their own wellbeing.
Relationship & Sex Education:
As part of our PSHE curriculum, we deliver a comprehensive Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) programme. Relationships Education is a statutory requirement for all primary schools and is taught to all pupils from EYFS to Year 6. Sex education beyond the statutory science curriculum is taught in an age-appropriate way and supports children’s understanding of growing and changing.
Our RSE curriculum is delivered using the Kapow Primary RSE & PSHE scheme, which is fully aligned with Department for Education statutory guidance and the National Curriculum for Science. The programme is progressive, inclusive and carefully structured to meet the needs of pupils at each stage of their development.
Through RSE, children learn about:
- families and friendships
- respectful and healthy relationships
- managing emotions and change
- keeping safe, including online safety
- understanding their bodies and the changes that happen as they grow
There is a strong emphasis on safeguarding throughout the curriculum. Children are taught about personal boundaries, consent, privacy and how to seek help if they feel worried or unsafe. Lessons also develop key skills such as empathy, listening, communication and talking about feelings.
RSE is taught during the academic year, and parents are informed in advance about the content being delivered. We value working in partnership with parents and carers and encourage them to contact the school if they wish to discuss the curriculum or view teaching materials. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from non-statutory sex education; however, they cannot withdraw their child from Relationships Education or Health Education.
rse parent guidance breakdown by year group 13 11 25.pdf
condensed rse pshe curriculum overview aug 25.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
What is PSHE and why is it important?
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) helps children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to stay healthy, safe and prepared for life. It supports children’s emotional wellbeing, relationships, decision-making and resilience and helps them become confident and responsible members of society.
What is Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)?
Relationships Education is a statutory part of the primary curriculum. It teaches children about families, friendships, respect, online safety and keeping safe. Sex Education at primary level is not statutory beyond what is taught in the science curriculum, but schools may choose to teach it in an age-appropriate way.
Is RSE compulsory in primary school?
Yes. Relationships Education and Health Education are compulsory for all pupils in primary schools. Parents cannot withdraw their child from these lessons. Sex Education beyond the statutory science curriculum is optional, and parents have the right to withdraw their child from this element.
What does RSE look like in the early years?
In EYFS and Key Stage 1, RSE focuses on building positive relationships, understanding feelings, learning about family and friendships, and developing basic safety awareness. Lessons are delivered through stories, discussion and play-based activities and are always age-appropriate.
How will I know what my child is being taught?
Parents are informed in advance about RSE content and year group topics. Information about the curriculum is available on the school website, and parents are welcome to contact the school to discuss the curriculum or view teaching materials.
When will my child learn about puberty?
Children begin learning about body changes and puberty in Key Stage 2. This includes understanding physical and emotional changes, personal hygiene and, in Year 5 and 6, puberty and menstruation. Teaching is carefully planned, age-appropriate and sensitive.
How is safeguarding addressed through RSE?
Safeguarding is a key part of RSE. Children learn about personal boundaries, consent, privacy, online safety and how to seek help from trusted adults. Staff are trained to handle questions and disclosures sensitively and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures at all times.
How are pupils taught to ask questions safely?
Children are encouraged to ask questions in a respectful and safe environment. Teachers establish clear ground rules, and pupils may also have opportunities to ask questions anonymously. Questions that are not appropriate for the lesson or age group are handled sensitively and, where appropriate, redirected to parents or carers.
Can I withdraw my child from RSE lessons?
Parents cannot withdraw their child from Relationships Education or Health Education. Parents may request to withdraw their child from non-statutory Sex Education, taught in Year 6. Requests should be discussed with the headteacher, and withdrawn pupils will remain in school and be supervised elsewhere during the lesson.
Do you cover gender identity in RSE lessons?
No, the Kapow Primary scheme does not specifically cover gender identity as a topic, although lessons do cover identity more generally, helping children to understand themselves and others. Gender identity does not form part of the National Curriculum and we would advise parents to speak to a member of their school staff team with any questions or queries.
What do I do if I feel uncomfortable talking about certain topics with my child?
Creating a safe, open, supportive environment is important for children to be able to share their worries, concerns and thoughts. If you feel uncomfortable discussing topics with your child, be honest with them that you find it difficult and explain that you would like to give yourself some thinking time before you get back to them on any topics or questions. Seeking support from your child’s school to help (e.g. discussing with class teachers or pastoral leads) may help with how to broach sensitive topics.
How does the school ensure RSE is inclusive?
Our RSE curriculum reflects a range of families, cultures and experiences and promotes respect and equality. Lessons are inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
Who can I talk to if I have concerns or questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about PSHE or RSE, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance or speak to the PSHE/RSE subject leader or headteacher. We value working in partnership with parents and carers.