Within each strand, there are age-appropriate topics for different year groups which we will teach based on a two-year rolling programme to meet the needs of our single and mixed aged classes. One topic per half term is taught to each class. Each topic consists of a lesson every week, which we may choose to extend learning with additional content, or with increased focus on particular areas depending on the needs of their pupils.

Each PSHE lesson includes an overall learning intention and specific learning outcomes (based on knowledge and understanding, skills and the development of attitudes). The scheme of work also includes opportunities to link British Values/Virtues/ Protected characteristics and SMSC into the curriculum.

EYFS

PSHE education begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. At this stage, PSHE is not treated as a separate subject, with formal lessons in the same way as it is later in school. Instead, the knowledge, vocabulary, skills and attitudes associated with PSHE are carefully woven through children’s daily experiences, play, routines, stories, adult interactions and planned activities.

Our approach is informed by the You, Me, PSHE scheme and adapted to meet the developmental needs of Reception children. The scheme provides a clear progression in PSHE across the school, while the Reception curriculum establishes the foundations that children need before they begin the more structured You, Me, PSHE units in Year 1. This creates a clear and coherent journey from EYFS into Key Stage 1. 

The EYFS curriculum consists of seven interconnected areas of learning. PSHE has its strongest links with the three prime areas — Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development — but also contributes significantly to Understanding the World, Literacy and Expressive Arts and Design, with opportunities to develop mathematical understanding through everyday experiences such as sharing, turn-taking, routines and making choices. The EYFS framework emphasises that the prime areas provide the foundations for later learning and development.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

PSED is the key foundation for PSHE in Reception. Children develop an understanding of who they are, their emotions, their strengths and their relationships with others. They learn to recognise and name feelings, begin to regulate their emotions, develop independence, follow rules and routines, solve problems and build positive friendships.  PSHE themes of settling in, emotions, family, similarities and differences, friendship, respect and belonging. Children are encouraged to understand that everyone is unique and valuable, while developing empathy and sensitivity towards the feelings and needs of others.

These experiences directly support the EYFS Early Learning Goals of self-regulation, managing self and building relationships. 

Communication and Language

Communication is fundamental to PSHE because children need language to express their feelings, explain their needs, resolve disagreements and develop relationships. Reception children are therefore given regular opportunities to talk about themselves, their families, their emotions and their experiences.

Through stories, circle-time discussions, role play, partner talk and everyday interactions, children develop the vocabulary needed to describe feelings such as happy, sad, worried, angry and frustrated. They also learn to listen to others, take turns in conversations, explain their ideas and use language to solve problems.

This provides an important foundation for Year 1, where children are expected to talk more confidently about their feelings, friendships and experiences and to understand how their behaviour can affect others. 

Physical Development

PSHE in Reception also develops children's understanding of how to look after their bodies. Children learn about healthy food choices, personal hygiene, toothbrushing, exercise, sleep, safety and developing independence with personal care.

The Reception approach therefore connects naturally with the Physical Health and Wellbeing strand of You, Me, PSHE. Practical experiences such as cooking, making healthy choices, washing hands, brushing teeth and being physically active help children develop knowledge that they can apply to their everyday lives.

These experiences support the EYFS Physical Development goals while preparing children for the Year 1 You, Me, PSHE unit Physical Health and Wellbeing – Fun Times, where healthy lifestyles, physical activity and wellbeing are explored in greater depth.

Understanding the World

PSHE also supports children to understand themselves as part of a family, classroom, school and wider community. In Reception, children explore their families, similarities and differences, familiar people, community roles, the environment and how they can care for others and the world around them.

For example, children may learn about different families, discuss what makes them special, learn about people who help us, care for animals or explore ways to look after their environment. This develops respect, belonging, responsibility and an awareness of the wider world.

This provides a strong foundation for the Year 1 Identity, Society and Equality – Me and Others unit, where children build on their understanding of themselves, their relationships and their responsibilities towards other.

Literacy and Expressive Arts and Design

Stories, poems, songs, drama, role play, drawing and creative activities provide important ways for children to explore PSHE concepts. A story about friendship, for example, can lead to discussion about kindness, emotions and resolving conflict, while role play can help children practise sharing, taking turns and responding to different situations.

Creative activities also allow children to communicate feelings and ideas in different ways. This supports vocabulary development, comprehension, confidence and the ability to express themselves — all of which are important as children move into Year 1.

The first lesson each half term is from Mind mate. The Mind mate programme is a whole school approach to Social Emotional Mental Health.

The PSHE curriculum is also enhanced with regular assemblies and workshops with the PCSOs (the themes are matched to the needs of the community we serve), Safeguarding and wellbeing weeks and work with D: Side. D: Side is a comprehensive drug and alcohol and internet safety education programme that encourages children to make positive and healthy life choices whilst promoting a pro-active attitude to life. They focus on developing the children’s knowledge, skills and attitude whilst equipping them with the appropriate life skills to successfully manage sensitive situations with peers and encourage a positive approach to life.

We also have a weekly session using the Picture News where the children explore a news story of that week and relate and discuss the relevant British Values and Protective Characteristics.

In addition to the above units, we will also teach separate sessions for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) using ‘Life to the full. ”  We will cover units based on the national statutory guidance. The content of this is shared annually with parents.

When children leave St Nicholas they will be able to:

• demonstrate and apply the British Values of Democracy, Tolerance, Mutual respect, Rule of law and Individual liberty.
• demonstrate a healthy outlook towards school – attendance will be in-line with national and behaviour will be good.
• become healthy and responsible members of society
• be on their journey preparing them for life and work in modern Britain.

At St Nicholas, we deliver the PSHE curriculum by utilising first-hand experiences and sharing good practice. We use the PSHE programme to equip pupils with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions. We believe that the purpose of PSHE education is to build, where appropriate, on the statutory guidance outlined in the Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education.

We believe that PSHE plays a vital part of primary education and as well as discrete focused lessons, it is also embedded throughout the curriculum. PSHE is integral to the development of children’s values and allows them to become a positive citizen in a forever changing community.