Intent

At Clyst St Mary Primary School, we believe that PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) is fundamental to enabling every child to thrive, belong and achieve. Rooted in our school values of Nurture and Grow, our PSHE curriculum supports children to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives both now and in the future.

Through a carefully planned and inclusive curriculum, we aim to nurture confident, resilient and kind individuals who feel a strong sense of belonging within our school and wider community. We strive to raise aspirations by equipping pupils with the emotional literacy, self-awareness and social understanding needed to manage challenges, build positive relationships and make informed choices.

Our PSHE curriculum, underpinned by the SCARF values (Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship), promotes children’s wellbeing and supports them to grow into respectful and responsible citizens. We actively embed British Values—democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance—ensuring pupils understand their rights and responsibilities within a diverse and ever-changing society.

We intend for all pupils to feel safe, valued and empowered, enabling them to fully engage in their learning and reach their academic and personal potential.

Implementation

PSHE is delivered through a structured, progressive and spiral curriculum using the SCARF scheme of work from Reception to Year 6. This ensures that key knowledge, skills and understanding are revisited, deepened and embedded over time, supporting pupils to thrive, belong and achieve at every stage of their development.

Each year group has dedicated, timetabled PSHE lessons, alongside a whole-school approach where PSHE is woven throughout daily school life. Opportunities to develop PSHE skills arise through assemblies, circle time, enrichment activities, educational visits, clubs, and meaningful interactions across the school day.

Our curriculum promotes:

• Resilience and emotional wellbeing, enabling children to manage challenges and build positive coping strategies
   
• Kindness and respect, fostering a caring and inclusive school culture where every child feels they belong
   
• Aspiration and achievement, encouraging pupils to set goals and believe in their ability to succeed
   

We further enhance learning through partnerships and workshops, such as those delivered by CAP UK, focusing on personal safety and online awareness.

British Values are explicitly taught and embedded across the curriculum. Pupils learn about democracy through pupil voice opportunities, understand the importance of laws and rules, and develop respect and tolerance for different cultures, faiths and beliefs. Through citizenship education, children are encouraged to become active, responsible members of society who can contribute positively and make a difference.

Impact

Through our PSHE curriculum, pupils leave Clyst St Mary Primary School as confident, respectful and responsible individuals who are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in modern Britain.

Children will:

• Demonstrate the ability to thrive, belong and achieve, showing confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self
   
• Develop strong emotional literacy, enabling them to understand and manage their feelings effectively
   
• Show kindness, empathy and respect towards others, building positive and healthy relationships
   
• Have high aspirations and a belief in their ability to grow and succeed
   
• Understand how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy
   
• Know how to stay safe in a range of contexts, including online and in the wider community
   
• Demonstrate a secure understanding of British Values, applying these in their daily lives
   
• Develop a positive body image and a respectful understanding of relationships and RSE at an age-appropriate level
   

Pupils’ progress in PSHE is monitored throughout the year through formative assessment and pupil reflection, ensuring that learning is responsive to individual needs and builds on each child’s starting point. This enables all children to continue to nurture and grow, leaving primary school equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to flourish in an ever-changing world.