PSHE and RSE

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At Stretton St Matthew’s Primary School, our vision for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is to equip every child with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to flourish in life. PSHE is central to our curriculum and underpins our commitment to developing happy, healthy, confident and responsible young people who are prepared for life in modern Britain.

Our PSHE curriculum is fully aligned with the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance 2026 issued by the Department for Education. It ensures that children receive accurate, age-appropriate learning that supports their emotional wellbeing, physical health, safety and relationships.

Through PSHE, pupils are encouraged to play an active and positive role in the life of the school and the wider community. We support children to develop a strong sense of self-worth, respect for others and an understanding of rights and responsibilities within a diverse society.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is woven through all aspects of PSHE and our wider curriculum. It is strengthened through our daily school ethos and collective worship, which reflect our Christian values, encourage reflection and celebrate the achievements of all pupils.

Our curriculum is based on the structured framework of the PSHE Association. This ensures a progressive and carefully sequenced programme covering three key strands:

  • Health and Wellbeing – including physical health, emotional wellbeing, mental health, and self-care strategies

  • Relationships – including families, friendships, respectful relationships, consent, boundaries and online safety

  • Living in the Wider World – including economic understanding, careers awareness, rights and responsibilities, and preparing for life in modern society

These areas directly reflect the expectations of the 2026 RSHE statutory guidance, particularly in relation to safeguarding, online safety, emotional literacy, respectful relationships and preparing children for the challenges and opportunities of modern life.

Our curriculum is carefully adapted to meet the needs of our pupils and is delivered in an age-appropriate, inclusive and progressive way. It builds knowledge and skills year on year, ensuring children are well prepared for each stage of their development.

Children leave our school as confident, kind and well-rounded individuals who feel valued, cared for and ready for the next stage of their education. Throughout their time at St Matthew’s, they are given opportunities to take responsibility through roles such as school librarians, digital leaders and eco-council representatives. They also contribute to decision-making through pupil voice groups such as the Ethos Group and School Council, helping to shape a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

 

PSHE Intent

To enable our children to become healthy, independent and ​responsible members of a diverse and multicultural society. St Matthew’s is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all pupils so they can learn and develop in a relaxed and secure environment. 

 

The PSHE Team at St Matthew's

  • Mrs Hazeldine

  • Andrew Owen (Governor)

Expanders

Expanders

  • Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

    At Stretton St Matthew’s Primary School, our vision is to nurture pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development so that they grow into thoughtful, respectful and responsible members of society. SMSC is at the heart of our curriculum and is closely linked to our PSHE provision and the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance 2026 from the Department for Education.

    Through a carefully planned and inclusive curriculum, we support children in developing the knowledge, understanding and values needed to thrive in modern Britain. SMSC development underpins key aspects of the RSHE curriculum, including respectful relationships, emotional wellbeing, personal responsibility, and understanding diversity.

    Spiritual Development
    We encourage pupils to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences, while showing respect for those of others. Children are supported to explore their feelings, develop self-awareness and appreciate different faiths and perspectives. This links closely to RSHE through developing emotional literacy, self-reflection and respect for others.

     

    Moral Development
    We support pupils in understanding the difference between right and wrong and the importance of making responsible choices. Children learn about rules, laws and consequences, and are encouraged to discuss and debate ethical issues, offering reasoned views. This aligns with RSHE in helping children develop integrity, responsibility and an understanding of boundaries and respectful behaviour.

     

    Social Development
    We provide opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively, resolve conflict and contribute positively to their communities. Children learn about the groups they belong to and develop an understanding of the importance of healthy, respectful relationships. This reflects key RSHE themes such as communication, teamwork, respect and active citizenship, alongside an understanding of British Values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

     

    Cultural Development
    We promote an understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity within our society. Pupils learn about different cultures, traditions and beliefs, including the role of Britain’s parliamentary system. Through this, children develop respect, acceptance and a celebration of diversity, which is a central element of both PSHE and RSHE.

    Through our SMSC provision, we aim for all children to leave our school as confident, respectful and compassionate individuals who understand their place in the world and are prepared to contribute positively to society.

  • Personal Development at Stretton St Matthew’s Primary School

    At Stretton St Matthew’s, our vision is that personal development sits at the heart of everything we do. Our PSHE and Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RSHE) curriculum is the key driver in developing the character, wellbeing and cultural capital of all pupils.

    As highlighted by the Ofsted, “the personal development of pupils… is a crucial part of what schools do”, and we are committed to ensuring that all children are prepared not only for the next stage of their education, but for life in modern Britain.

    Our curriculum is fully aligned with the statutory RSHE guidance 2026 from the Department for Education and is carefully designed to support pupils to “develop in many diverse aspects of life” (Ofsted). Through our progressive PSHE/RSHE programme, children gain the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to stay safe, build positive relationships, manage their wellbeing and make informed choices.

    Personal Development is not an isolated aspect of school life; it is woven through our entire curriculum and underpinned by our Christian values. Our approach ensures that pupils develop confidence, resilience, independence and respect for others, while gaining a strong understanding of diversity and their role within society.

    Our PSHE/RSHE curriculum promotes:

    • positive mental health and emotional wellbeing

    • safe, respectful relationships and an understanding of boundaries

    • knowledge of how to stay safe, including online

    • confidence to express themselves, seek help and manage risk

    • an appreciation of equality, diversity and life in modern Britain

     

    In line with Ofsted’s focus on developing “character and resilience” and “active, responsible citizens”, we provide a wide range of meaningful opportunities for pupils to apply these skills in real-life contexts.

    Personal Development is enriched through:

    • a carefully sequenced PSHE/RSHE curriculum

    • assemblies and Collective Worship that promote reflection and values

    • pupil leadership opportunities, including School Council, Ethos Group and Global Citizens

    • educational visits, residential experiences and wider opportunities beyond the classroom

    • a broad range of extra-curricular activities

    • active participation in the life of the school, local community and wider world

     

     

    Through this holistic approach, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility, show initiative and develop a strong moral compass.

    By the time they leave Stretton St Matthew’s, our pupils are confident, compassionate and well-rounded individuals. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills and character to succeed in the next stage of their education and to contribute positively to society.
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Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

In line with the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance 2026 issued by the Department for Education, we provide a carefully planned RSHE curriculum at Stretton St Matthew’s Primary School. Our provision also reflects diocesan guidance and our Christian vision and values.

RSHE is a statutory part of the primary curriculum and supports children in understanding the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up. This includes learning about healthy relationships, personal wellbeing and how to keep themselves safe. Our teaching is rooted in Christian values, promoting dignity, respect and care for oneself and others in all contexts.

Our curriculum fully reflects the expectations of the 2026 statutory guidance, with a strong focus on:

  • developing respectful relationships and understanding different types of families

  • promoting online safety, including privacy, consent and managing online risks

  • teaching correct anatomical vocabulary to support safeguarding and communication

  • helping children understand personal safety in a range of everyday situations

  • supporting emotional wellbeing, including change, loss and managing feelings

  • building confidence to communicate boundaries and seek help when needed

 

To support the teaching of RSHE, we use resources from the PSHE Association, which we carefully adapt to meet the specific needs of our pupils and reflect the context, values and ethos of our school.

We aim for all children to grow up healthy, happy and safe, equipped with the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed choices about their wellbeing, relationships and future lives.

RSHE is taught through a whole-school approach, ensuring consistent messages across all areas of school life. It is delivered through:

  • our PSHE curriculum

  • Science, particularly units on growth and development

  • planned learning opportunities and responsive discussions, where questions are handled sensitively and appropriately for age and stage

 

Learning is carefully sequenced so that children receive accurate, age-appropriate information at the right time. We work closely with parents and carers, who are kept informed about the curriculum and its content.

In line with statutory requirements, sex education beyond the Science curriculum is not compulsory in primary schools. Parents retain the right to withdraw their child from any non-statutory elements of sex education if they choose.

By the end of their primary education, we aim for all pupils to be confident, informed and well-prepared for the next stage of their education, with a strong understanding of how to build positive, respectful relationships and keep themselves safe.

 

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