What is PSHCE?

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (sometimes also referred to as PSHCE with citizenship added) is a planned programme of learning which helps children and young people acquire the knowledge and skills they need to manage their lives, thriving as individuals, family members and members of society.

The Importance of PSHE Education

During key stages 1 and 2, PSHE education offers both explicit and implicit learning opportunities and experiences which reflect pupils’ increasing independence and physical and social awareness, as they move through the primary phase. It builds on the skills that pupils started to acquire during the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) to develop effective relationships, assume greater personal responsibility and manage personal safety, including online.

PSHE education helps pupils to manage the physical and emotional changes at puberty, introduces them to a wider world and enables them to make an active contribution to their communities.

PSHE is an approach to learning and teaching which enhances children’s thinking and communication skills, boosts their self-esteem, and improves their academic attainment. It is child-led and meet the needs of the different classes.

PSHCE curriculum

At Churchwood Primary School, we use the scheme Jigsaw, which supports teachers to champion children and young people. Jigsaw PSHCE perfectly connects the pieces of Personal, Social, Health and Well-Being Education. The programme teaches children and young people emotional literacy, social- and lifelong skills, RSE/RSHE and resilience in an age-appropriate manner.

PSHCE gives children and young people the tools to have the best possible life. Jigsaw equips them for happier and healthier lives, giving them agency to make their way through the world.

Churchwood’s values are incorporated into this subject through being empathetic to other’s opinions, respectful of others' arguments and ensuring everyone is being heard. It also helps children to be resilient towards others who may disagree with your opinion, as well as never giving up on anything we do or believe!

What is Relationships and Health Education (RHE/RSE)?

From September 2020, all primary schools will be required to deliver, statutorily, ‘relationships education’.

The government have also committed to statutory ‘health education’, meaning the majority of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be compulsory from 2020.

PSHE in EYFS

At our school, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) supports children in developing confidence, independence and positive relationships from the very start of their learning journey. Through play-based activities, stories and everyday routines, children learn to understand their feelings, show kindness to others, manage simple challenges and begin to make healthy choices. PSHE is woven throughout the EYFS curriculum, helping children to feel safe, valued and ready to learn, while building the strong personal and social foundations they need for future success.