What is RSHE and PSHE?

• RSHE stands for Relationships, Sex and Health Education
• PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education and includes Citizenship.  At Bildeston and Whatfield we teach RHSE/PSHE through our PSHE curriculum.

Together, RSHE & PSHE support pupils to understand themselves, their relationships with others and the world around them. Through this learning, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to build healthy relationships, care for physical and mental wellbeing, understand their role in society and stay safe in a range of situations, including online.

Why teach RSHE and PSHE?

RSHE & PSHE support children’s wellbeing, relationships and safety, meeting statutory guidance.

• Relationships Education (families, friendships, respect, positive relationships).
• Health Education (physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles, safety).

While skills like resilience and communication are sometimes assumed to develop naturally, varying home and world experiences mean this is not always the case. Explicit RSHE & PSHE teaching ensures all pupils learn and practise these skills (e.g. managing emotions, communication, decision-making) in a structured way.

RSHE & PSHE create a safe space for pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and reflect on real-life situations. Revisiting key themes each year allows learning to build gradually, helping pupils develop confidence, understanding and strategies for everyday life.

What will my child learn?

At Bildeston and Whatfield we have chosen to use the Kapow Primary RSE and PSHE scheme of work with appropriate adaptations for the children at our schools.  Through the Kapow Primary RSE & PSHE scheme of work, pupils learn about a range of topics that support their wellbeing, relationships and personal development.

These topics are organised into 9 key areas, which are revisited across different year groups so pupils can build their understanding and confidence as they move through primary school.  Details of when these units are taught can be found in our curriculum long term plan.

• My healthy self
• Connecting with others
• The online world
• Staying safe
• Health protection
• Growing up
• Citizenship (non-statutory at present; included in the forthcoming National Curriculum from September 2028)
• Sex education (non-statutory)
• First aid (non-statutory)

How can I find out exactly what my child is learning in each year group?

https://www.kapowprimary.com/subjects/rse-pshe/curriculum/rse-pshe-parent-information/

This link will take you to the Kapow RSE and PSHE: Parent Zone.  The parent zone is designed for parents and carers to:

• Find answers to common questions about RSE & PSHE.
• Understand what is included in the Kapow Primary RSE & PSHE scheme.
• Learn about parents’ rights in relation to RSE & PSHE, particularly around sex education.
• Understand the benefits of RSE & PSHE and how they can support your child’s learning.

Parents and carers have the right to view RSHE & PSHE teaching materials – contact your child’s school if you would like to see lessons/resources in more detail. For details on how RSHE & PSHE are taught at Bildeston and Whatfield please see this information and our RSHE/PSHE policy.

Will my child be taught Sex education?

In primary schools, Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory parts of RSE & PSHE. Sex education is not statutory at primary level, though many schools opt to teach an optional Year 6 unit to prepare pupils for secondary school with accurate information. Bildeston and Whatfield have decided to teach the sex education unit.  Parents have the right to withdraw their child from the sex education unit.  Please see our policy for more details.