Helping Children Grow into Happy, Healthy, and Responsible Citizens

We are committed to nurturing the whole child through a rich and balanced life-skills curriculum. Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is a vital part of our teaching, supporting children in developing a positive sense of self, emotional well-being, independence, and respect for others.

Our PSED and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their academic, social and personal lives, both now and in the future. Through the three strands of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World, we aim to develop:

• Confident individuals who know how to live safe, happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
• Respectful young people who can build and maintain positive, healthy relationships.
• Responsible citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities in society.
• Successful learners who enjoy discovering new knowledge and achieving their potential.

As outlined in our school vision, we want every child to leave The Stoke Poges School equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the emotional intelligence and social awareness to thrive in the wider world.

PSHE helps children understand themselves, build positive relationships, and develop the skills they need to thrive. Much of our Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is delivered through PSHE lessons. We use the Jigsaw Programme, a whole-school approach that supports emotional literacy, social skills, and spiritual development. Every lesson begins with a calming mindfulness activity to help children focus and regulate their emotions.

Our PSHE Curriculum

PSHE is taught through six half-termly units, known as Jigsaw Puzzles. Each year group explores the same theme at their own level, building knowledge and skills year by year:

🧩 Being Me in My World

Explores belonging, responsibilities, and being part of a school, local, and global community.

🧩 Celebrating Difference

Focuses on diversity, inclusion, and anti-bullying, including cyber and homophobic bullying.

🧩 Dreams and Goals

Encourages ambition, teamwork, and resilience, with a focus on aspirations and enterprise.

🧩 Healthy Me

Covers emotional and physical health, including friendships, body image, safety, and first aid.

🧩 Relationships

Teaches respectful relationships, online safety, conflict resolution, and self-esteem.

🧩 Changing Me

Supports children through change, including puberty, transitions, and human reproduction (age-appropriate and with parental guidance).

Our Approach

• Mindfulness: Every lesson starts with “Calm Me” time to help children manage emotions and focus.
• Inclusive and Respectful: We celebrate diversity and teach children to value differences.
• Real-Life Learning: Lessons connect to children’s experiences and prepare them for life beyond school.
• Safe Environment: Ground rules are agreed with pupils to ensure respectful and open discussions.
• Interactive Learning: Lessons include stories, games, role play, visual aids, and visits from professionals.

❤️ Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

Our RSE curriculum follows Department for Education guidelines. We believe that age-appropriate, accurate knowledge helps keep children safe and prepares them for secondary school. Parents are informed and have the right to withdraw their child from non-statutory sex education lessons (year 5 & 6), as outlined in our PSHE and RSE policy.