Elburton Primary School

Personal, Health, Social and Economic Education (PSHE)

 
“What we teach in the classroom will help our pupils foster lifelong aspirations, goals and values.”
PSHE Association 

Preparing Children for Life

PSHE helps children develop the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate relationships, wellbeing, safety and increasing independence. At Elburton, children learn how to make informed decisions, seek help and contribute positively to their communities. We are preparing children not simply for their next class or school, but for life.

Why This Subject Matters

Children need explicit knowledge about relationships, health, safety, emotions, rights, responsibilities and decision-making.

PSHE provides a structured space to develop that understanding and to practise discussing sensitive or complex issues safely and respectfully. Through this learning, children develop the confidence and skills needed to make positive choices and thrive in an ever-changing world.

What Children Learn

Children learn about:

  • Relationships and friendships
  • Physical and mental wellbeing
  • Personal safety
  • Online life and digital safety
  • Growing and changing
  • Economic understanding
  • Community and citizenship
  • Rights and responsibilities
  • How to seek help when needed

Learning is age-appropriate and builds progressively across the school.

How Knowledge Develops

Important themes are revisited as children's maturity and independence grow.

Vocabulary, scenarios and discussion become increasingly sophisticated so that pupils can apply earlier learning to more complex situations and real-life experiences.

What This Looks Like at Elburton

Lessons include discussion, scenarios, reflection, problem-solving and opportunities to practise decision-making and help-seeking.

Ground rules support respectful participation, and children are taught where to find reliable support and trusted adults if they have concerns or worries.

How We Know Children Are Learning and Remembering

Teachers assess through questioning, discussion, scenarios and reflection.

Assessment focuses on what children know, understand and can explain rather than on judging personal beliefs or experiences. We look for increasing knowledge, confidence and the ability to apply learning to a range of situations.

Supporting Learning at Home

You can support your child's learning by:

  • Keeping communication open and age-appropriate.
  • Talking about friendships, emotions, online behaviour, digital safety, money, health and decision-making as everyday topics.
  • Encouraging children to discuss worries and ask questions.
  • Helping children think through choices and possible consequences.
  • Supporting healthy habits, including sleep, exercise and balanced use of technology.
  • Making sure children know which trusted adults they can approach if something worries them.

PSHE in Action

PSHE helps children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. Through learning about relationships, wellbeing, responsibility and decision-making, pupils build the foundations for successful participation in school, their community and the wider world.

By the time they leave Elburton, we want children to be confident, respectful and responsible young people who can make informed choices, seek support when needed and contribute positively to society.

Promoting British Values at Elburton Primary School

 

The Department for Education have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

At Elburton, these values are promoted and reinforced regularly in many ways some of which are outlined in the documents below, including through a programme of whole school assemblies. We also deliver the Jigsaw PSHE programme which promotes and teaches a range of British values through the range of puzzle pieces covered through the year.

How can you help your child at home:

 

  • Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations about the topics covered in PSHE, such as relationships, emotions, safety, and personal well-being. Create a safe space where you child feels comfortable discussing their thoughts and concerns.

  • Model Positive Behaviours: Demonstrate the qualities taught in PSHE, such as empathy, respect, resilience, and responsibility, in everyday interactions. Children often learn by observing how their parents handle challenges and relationships.

  • Discuss Online Safety: With technology playing a significant role in children’s lives, parents should regularly talk about internet safety, digital well-being, and the potential risks of social media. Encourage responsible use of technology and monitor online activity where appropriate.

  • Encourage Emotional Literacy: Help children identify and express their emotions. Encourage them to talk about how they feel and help them manage emotions effectively by practicing mindfulness, relaxation, or other coping strategies.

  • Promote Healthy Habits: Support healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene. Teach children about the importance of physical and mental well-being.

  • Discuss Decision-Making and Consequences: Guide children in making informed choices by discussing potential consequences of different actions, whether related to peer pressure, relationships or personal safety.

  • Foster Empathy and Inclusion: Engage in conversations about respecting others’ perspectives, cultural differences, and the importance of inclusion. Support your child in developing empathy and understanding towards others.

  • Set Boundaries and Responsibilities: Teach responsibility by assigning age-appropriate tasks or chores at home. This fosters independence, accountability and a sense of contribution to the family and community.

  • Support Learning About Finances: Discuss basic financial concepts like saving, budgeting and managing money. This can help your child develop good financial habits and prepare for adult life.

  • Stay Informed: Keep in touch with what your child is learning in PSHE by speaking with teachers or reviewing curriculum materials. This helps you reinforce the lessons at home and provide consistent support.