Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) at Ashbourne Primary School

Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) at Ashbourne Primary School equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships. It supports pupils to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, preparing them for life in a modern and diverse society.

Our approach is underpinned by our motto:

'Excellent Effort Always Matters'

We encourage pupils to try their best, keep going and take pride in their development, recognising that personal growth, like learning, takes time, effort and reflection.

Our PSHE curriculum is closely aligned with our Golden Threads and reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child, including the removal of barriers to learning and ensuring every pupil can succeed.

Curriculum Progression

Our PSHE curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure progression across the school. It covers:

• Relationships Education
• Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
• Health Education

Learning is delivered through a range of engaging approaches, including:

• Scenarios and real-life situations
• Role play and drama
• Text-based stories
• Practical activities
• Circle time and discussion

Pupils develop their understanding over time, building knowledge and skills that enable them to make informed choices and respond positively to challenges.

We recognise that learning takes time and repetition. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that key knowledge and understanding are embedded in pupils’ long-term memory, enabling them to apply their learning in a range of contexts.

Learning in Context

PSHE is embedded across school life and is not taught in isolation.

We place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, ensuring that all pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn. Our approach includes:

• Strong, positive relationships between staff and pupils, underpinned by a trauma-informed approach, where behaviour is understood as a form of communication
• Structured support for behaviour and self-regulation, helping pupils to recognise, manage and reflect on their emotions
• Targeted interventions led by our Child and Family Wellbeing Leaders, supporting pupils’ emotional needs
• Close work with families to ensure pupils are supported both in and beyond school

This ensures that all pupils are able to engage positively with learning and develop the skills needed to succeed.

Linked to Our Golden Threads

Our PSHE curriculum is central to our Golden Threads:

• Language and Literacy – pupils develop the confidence to communicate, discuss and express their thoughts and feelings clearly
• Resilience and Regulation – pupils learn to manage emotions, build confidence and respond positively to challenges
• Belonging and Becoming – pupils feel safe, valued and included, developing a strong sense of identity and understanding of others

Through our PSHE curriculum, pupils:

• Develop confidence, resilience and self-worth
• Understand how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy
• Build positive relationships and respect for others
• Understand how to stay safe, including online
• Develop the skills to make informed decisions and manage risk
• Know how and when to ask for help

Pupils leave Ashbourne Primary as confident, respectful and well-informed individuals, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities of life beyond school.