Across the Black Country Federation, we believe that PSHE is central to helping children grow into confident, respectful and responsible members of society. It supports pupils in understanding themselves, building positive relationships and preparing for life in modern Britain.

Our PSHE curriculum is based on the Jigsaw programme and adapted to follow the CUSP teaching cycle. This ensures that learning is carefully structured and revisited over time. We place strong emphasis on clear vocabulary teaching, regular retrieval of key concepts and opportunities for pupils to talk, reflect and articulate their thoughts. Social and emotional development sits at the heart of the subject, alongside our school values of ambition, perseverance, respect and excellence.

Our aim is that every child leaves primary school as a thoughtful, emotionally aware individual, able to manage relationships, challenges and opportunities with confidence.

PSHE in the Early Years

In EYFS, PSHE is taught through the Early Learning Goals for Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Children begin by learning to:

• Manage their feelings and behaviour appropriately.
• Build positive relationships, showing kindness and fairness.
• Develop independence, resilience and a sense of responsibility.

Through play, discussion and guided activities, children explore topics such as family, friendships and community roles. They learn to name and talk about their emotions, solve simple social problems and understand basic aspects of personal safety, including road and online awareness. These foundations prepare them well for Key Stage 1.

A Structured and Progressive Curriculum

We follow the Jigsaw framework, adapted to align with CUSP principles so that learning is sequenced and built upon each year. Key themes are revisited and deepened over time.

The main areas of study include:

• Being Me in My World – identity, belonging and responsibility.
• Celebrating Difference – diversity, respect and anti-bullying.
• Dreams and Goals – ambition, resilience and perseverance.
• Healthy Me – physical and mental health, safety and wellbeing.
• Relationships – friendships, family and managing emotions.
• Changing Me – personal growth, relationships and transition.

Each theme builds pupils’ understanding and supports their personal development.

The Structure of a PSHE Lesson

PSHE lessons follow a clear sequence to ensure understanding is secure and meaningful.

• Connect - Pupils begin by revisiting previous learning and recalling key vocabulary.
• Explain - Teachers introduce new concepts and language, guiding discussion around important ideas.
• Example - Through role-play, stories or scenarios, pupils see how learning applies in real-life situations.
• Attempt - Children reflect independently or in groups, through discussion, writing or creative activities.
• Apply - Pupils consider how their learning links to everyday life, such as staying safe, resolving conflict or showing respect in the community.

This structure ensures that PSHE is more than discussion alone; it develops secure knowledge and practical understanding.

PSHE Across School Life

PSHE extends beyond weekly lessons and is embedded in the wider life of the school. Pupils are recognised for demonstrating school values in their behaviour and relationships. Assemblies, circle times and daily check-ins reinforce key themes such as respect, resilience and responsibility.

Children also take part in wider experiences, including charity work, community projects and workshops on topics such as mental health, personal safety and digital awareness. Regular opportunities for partner talk and structured discussion help pupils build emotional literacy and confidence in expressing their views.

Assessment in PSHE

Assessment focuses on personal development rather than data. Teachers use discussion, questioning and reflective activities to understand pupils’ progress. Journals, verbal reflections and recognition linked to school values all contribute to building a picture of each child’s growth in confidence, understanding and social skills.

The Impact of Our PSHE Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they:

• Understand how to build and maintain healthy relationships.
• Can manage their emotions and know when to seek support.
• Show respect and tolerance towards others.
• Demonstrate resilience and responsibility.
• Are well prepared for the transition to secondary school and beyond.

Our PSHE curriculum ensures that children leave primary school not only with knowledge, but with the confidence and self-awareness to apply it in their everyday lives.

Further Information

For more information about our PSHE curriculum, including planning, vocabulary progression and community links, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brierley.dudley.sch.uk.