At Clifton upon Teme Primary School, we believe that PSHE is about helping children to understand themselves, build positive relationships and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to flourish in an ever-changing world.

We use Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE, as the basis of our whole-school PSHE curriculum. Jigsaw provides a carefully structured programme of learning from Reception through to Year 6, supporting the development of the whole child and helping children to build the skills they need both for learning and for life.

What is PSHE Education?

PSHE Education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is an important part of our curriculum. It gives children the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives safely and confidently, both now and as they grow.

Through PSHE, children learn about their own wellbeing, relationships, health, emotions, responsibilities and their place within the wider community. Our curriculum also supports children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and helps them to understand and demonstrate the values needed to contribute positively to society.

Our Jigsaw Curriculum

Jigsaw is a whole-school approach, with all children exploring the same theme at the same time, at an age-appropriate level. This creates a shared language and sense of community across our school while allowing learning to develop progressively as children grow.

The Jigsaw curriculum is organised into six half-termly 'Puzzles':

• Being Me in My World – developing a positive sense of identity, belonging and responsibility.
• Celebrating Difference – understanding diversity, challenging stereotypes and developing respect and acceptance.
• Dreams and Goals – developing aspirations, perseverance, resilience and the confidence to overcome challenges.
• Healthy Me – learning about physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles, safety and making positive choices.
• Relationships – developing friendships, family relationships, communication, respect, boundaries and how to seek help.
• Changing Me – understanding how we grow and change, including age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education.

Each class has a dedicated PSHE lesson each week. Learning is revisited and built upon throughout the children's time at Clifton upon Teme, ensuring that knowledge, vocabulary and skills develop progressively from Reception to Year 6.

Relationships and Health Education

Our PSHE curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education. Children learn how to develop healthy and respectful relationships, understand emotions and mental wellbeing, keep themselves safe and make healthy choices.

Age-appropriate learning about growing and changing, families, friendships, personal boundaries and relationships is included within the Changing Me and Relationships units. This learning is carefully planned to reflect children's age and stage of development and is delivered sensitively within a safe and supportive environment.

Following feedback from our families, we are separating the Changing Me and Relationships unit teaching into a single-age year group and also gender separate topic-dependent classes. Parents will receive the full list of the contents of these lessons in the term prior to the units being taught. This information is also included within the curriculum details on this page. 

Developing the Whole Child

At Clifton upon Teme, we believe that children's wellbeing is fundamental to their ability to learn and flourish. Jigsaw supports children in developing emotional literacy, mindfulness, resilience, self-awareness and positive social skills.

Lessons provide opportunities for children to talk, listen, reflect and consider different perspectives. Children are encouraged to recognise and manage their emotions, develop empathy, resolve difficulties and understand that asking for help is a strength.

Our PSHE curriculum also contributes to SMSC development and Fundamental British Values, helping children to understand concepts such as democracy, respect, individual liberty and the importance of living positively alongside others.

Our Intent

We want our children to:

• Know themselves — understanding their emotions, strengths, values and aspirations.
• Care for themselves and others — developing healthy habits, positive relationships and respect.
• Celebrate difference — recognising and valuing the uniqueness of every individual.
• Make safe and responsible choices — understanding risks and knowing how and when to seek help.
• Develop resilience — learning to persevere when things are difficult and to learn from experiences.
• Build positive relationships — communicating effectively, showing empathy and understanding boundaries.
• Look to the future — developing aspirations, setting goals and believing in their ability to achieve.

As a small village school, we place particular importance on relationships, community and belonging. We encourage our children to understand their place within our school, our local community and the wider world, and to recognise that their actions can make a positive difference.

Ultimately, our intention is that every child leaves Clifton upon Teme Primary School with a strong sense of who they are, respect for themselves and others, the confidence to make positive choices, and the resilience, empathy and compassion to thrive.

We want our children to know: I am valued. I am unique. I can make a difference.