PSHE and RSE at WVPS
Dear Parents,
At Woodland View we aim to offer a rich, balanced curriculum that supports children’s development not only academically but emotionally and socially. We believe effective PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is essential to support children’s wellbeing and offers them the skills and understanding so that they can lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives - both now and in the future.
We have always offered a comprehensive PSHE programme and part of this was relationship and sex education delivered in a sensitive and age appropriate manner. The Government has undertaken a national review and announced changes to relationships and sex education to ensure all schools are delivering effective PSHE provision. All schools are required to comply with the updated requirements. These changes came into effect from September 2020. Due to COVID 19 schools have been able to delay this until the summer term 2021. The statutory guidance can be found at:
The new guidance focuses on healthy relationships, with friends, family and online, and keeping children safe in the modern world. It also covers a wide range of topics relating to physical and mental health, wellbeing, and safeguarding. Our newly reviewed and updated PSHE programme has been in place since September 2020 ensuring that our curriculum meets the new statutory expectations. You can find out more about our provision in our school policy.
We have developed a new policy for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons, which includes how both Relationships Education and Sex Education will be taught at our school.
We consulted with our parents on our new policy in March 2021. We were delighted that so many of our parents were able to share their views. We had 135 replies from parents. Here are the results from the survey:
- I think that it is important to teach children about the physical and emotional changes they will have as they approach puberty in Year 5 and 6
98% -Agree or Strongly Agree
- I think PSHE and RSE are important aspects of the school curriculum
98% -Agree or Strongly Agree
- I feel happy to talk with my child about growing up, puberty and relationships
99% -Agree or Strongly Agree
We are very pleased with the support for our school approach and the shared agreement that these are important areas of the curriculum. We have read every additional written response submitted thoroughly and noted any suggestions or concerns that you have. We have discussed these as a team and ensured that these will help shape our approach. You can now see the finalised version of our school policy on the website.
I would like to reassure you that before the RSE (Relationship and Sex Education Unit) in Year 5 and 6 takes place, the teachers will always contact you first allowing you the chance to ask questions and review materials and approaches as necessary. We are always looking to work in partnership with you with an open approach to ensure that these important and sensitive issues are delivered thoughtfully and with care.
We have collated all the key documents for you to read here, including our new finalised PSHE and RSE policy.
Please find:
Woodland View Primary School's PSHE and RSE Policy
- DfE Relationship Education Expectations by the end of Primary
- DfE Physical Health and Wellbeing Education by the end of Primary
Our overall PSHE curriculum (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is carefully planned and sequenced throughout every year in the school. We put a huge focus on this and our work around protective behaviours and safeguarding to ensure that all our pupils learn how to be happy, safe and healthy in the widest sense. Effective PSHE helps to shape confident, active young citizens keen to participate in life in modern Britain.
Many thanks again for your support.
Kind regards,
Amanda Matsangou
Deputy Head
