P.S.H.E. (Personal, Social, Health Education) 

At New Oscott Primary School our Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) curriculum is underpinned by our six core values – honesty, respect, appreciation, kindness, co-operation and determination. We believe the teaching of PSHE to be a key element to the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum and fundamental in supporting our children to understand themselves and the world around them.

The personal, social and health education of our pupils is at the very heart of all that we do here at New Oscott Primary School.  We treat each and every child as a unique and special individual and do all in our power to bring each one to their fullest potential and to ensure their emotional well-being. 

Our children are encouraged to make the most of their time at school, so every effort is made to remove obstacles to successful learning and to equip young people with the confidence and skills to be effective learners and effective members of the community.

We are particularly proud of the Nurture groups we provide.  Nurture groups are small, structured teaching groups for pupils showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties. These take place during the school day and organised by members of our PSHE Team.

Find out more about the Intent, Implementation and Impact for our PSHE Curriculum in our Curriculum Expectations.

P.S.H.E. Curriculum Expectations

Whilst PSHE can be seen in action all around our school via discussions during registration, on the playground or after lunch; through displays in classrooms or year group areas; through lunchtime clubs and our peer pals, and within all other subject areas, we recognise the importance of a high-quality, well-structured  PSHE curriculum, tailored to the needs of our children and we deliver this across all phases.  As a school we follow the Jigsaw Scheme of work to support our curriculum and tailor this to meet the needs of our children. 

Jigsaw Scheme of work

Jigsaw aims to help children know and value who they really are and how they relate to other people in this ever-changing world; to create tolerant and kind learners who can work reciprocally, respectfully and cooperatively with an appreciation of others’ views and beliefs.

Each half termly unit is a puzzle made up of six pieces and each piece has two learning intentions: one linked directly to the PSHE non-statutory guidance  or the RSHE statutory Guidance  and the other based on emotional literacy and social skills.  The scheme is delivered in a progressive spiral across year groups and provides our children with learning experiences to help them navigate their world and to develop positive relationships with themselves and others. It places strong emphasis on building resilience and nurturing mental and physical health, with mindfulness included to allow children to advance their emotional awareness, concentration and focus. Each academic year follows the same units:

Term 1: Being Me in My World Term 2: Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying) Term 3: Dreams and Goals Term 4: Healthy Me Term 5: Relationships Term 6: Changes

New Oscott P.S.H.E. Curriculum Overview

Every year group has a knowledge organiser for each individual unit, which outlines the key knowledge and skills, key vocabulary, key questions and associated prior and future learning.  Each of these can be accessed via the links below:

In September 2022 floor books were introduced to record lessons and learning.  One book is shared between a year group and teachers use a variety of recording methods to reflect the pupils discussions or work and the outcome of lessons.  At the end of each unit assessment ideas are provided via the Jigsaw scheme and teachers can select the most suitable way to assess their class to inform future planning.  These assessments can take the form of written activities, class discussions and targeted questioning, dependent on the unit of work and the children’s needs.

Early Years

Within Nursery and Reception PSHE is delivered through Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED).  The Early Years Framework  identifies PSED as one of the seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings, with PSED being one of three areas with particular importance for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.

“Children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives, and is fundamental to their cognitive development. Underpinning their personal development are the important attachments that shape their social world. Strong, warm and supportive  relationships with adults enable children to learn how to understand their own feelings and those of others. Children should be supported to manage emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals, have confidence in their own abilities, to persist and wait for what they want and direct attention as necessary. Through adult modelling and guidance, they will learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and manage personal needs independently. Through supported interaction with other children, they learn how to make good friendships, co-operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These attributes will provide a secure platform from which children can achieve at school and in later life.” (Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage - Setting the Standards for Learning, Development and Care for Children from birth to five, DfE, 31 March 2021)

At New Oscott Primary School PSED is promoted within Nursery and Reception through both incidental interactions and planned activities. During our high-quality provision, adults support children to understand rules and routines, manage their own needs, cooperate with others and identify their feels and the feelings of others. EYFS teachers also plan and deliver PSED circle times, with Reception using Jigsaw planning in line with the rest of the school.   

Pupil Voice

When asked about P.S.H.E, our pupils say ....

At New Oscott we understand the importance of reading and love to promote reading in our foundation subjects.  Have a look at our PSHE reading spine, which gives suggestions of age appropriate books for PSHE.  Please click on the link below:

PSHE book list