Personal, Social & Health Education

Intent

PSHE and RSE in our school aims to explore the knowledge and understanding children need to stay safe, be happy and healthy and fulfil their potential, while also preparing them for life, both in the present and future. It also aims to equip children with the skills they need to live successfully as citizens of the communities to which they belong and enables them to celebrate diversity and treat all people with kindness and respect. PSHE education in our school also aims to encourage children to develop positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, by empowering them with the knowledge of why this is important and how it can be achieved. We want to educate the whole child through our PSHE and RSE education and believe this positively impacts the individual, the school community, the wider community and the global community – both present and future by enabling our children to build positive relationships.

Implementation

At Houghton Conquest Primary School, we use the Jigsaw PSHE programme, a comprehensive, whole-school approach that supports the development of the whole child.

Jigsaw brings together PSHE, RSE, emotional literacy, mindfulness and social skills development in a structured and engaging way. It is fully aligned with the statutory Relationships and Health Education guidance and provides age-appropriate content from Early Years to Year 6.

Our Approach Through Jigsaw:

Our Approach Through Jigsaw:

• Structured, Progressive Curriculum
  Jigsaw is built around six half-termly units (‘puzzles’), each with a whole-school focus:
• Being Me in My World
• Celebrating Difference
• Dreams and Goals
• Healthy Me
• Relationships
• Changing Me

This consistent structure ensures progression and continuity across all year groups.

• Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
  Each lesson includes a mindfulness practice, supporting mental wellbeing and helping children become more aware of their thoughts and feelings.
• Inclusive and Respectful
  Jigsaw promotes respect, inclusion, and understanding of differences, helping children to celebrate diversity and develop empathy.
• Preparation for Life and Learning
  The curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to navigate life both inside and outside the classroom—supporting their wellbeing, resilience, and ability to thrive.

Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, PSHE is encouraged through the “Personal, Social and Emotional Development” curriculum and is underpinned by the principles of the Jigsaw scheme.

PSHE is about making connections and is strongly linked to learning through play, as Albert Einstein stated “Play is the highest form of investigation”.   PSHE is taught through activities that are part of topics, as well as on an individual basis to develop personal skills such as dressing, looking after ones needs and managing relationships and feelings.  Positive experiences are built through daily opportunities to share and enjoy a range of activities. The children are given the opportunity to engage in social activities, in small groups, as a class or during whole school activities such as assembly or Christmas performances.

Impact 

Using the Jigsaw programme, we aim to create a safe, supportive environment where children feel valued, confident, and prepared for the challenges of modern life. We want every pupil to leave Houghton Conquest Primary School with a strong sense of self, a respect for others, and the tools to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives.