PSHE

Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHE)

At St Bede’s, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) plays a vital role in supporting the development of the whole child. It helps pupils to build the knowledge, skills and resilience they need to thrive now and in the future — socially, emotionally, morally and spiritually.

Our PSHE curriculum is carefully planned to be age-appropriate, inclusive and engaging. It supports pupils to understand themselves and others, make positive choices, keep safe and healthy, form respectful relationships and contribute meaningfully to their community.

A Curriculum That Meets National Expectations

PSHE at St Bede’s aligns with statutory guidance and the requirements of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework. It gives children:

Clear, accurate knowledge on physical and mental health, wellbeing and relationships
Opportunities to develop personal and social skills, including emotional literacy, empathy, self-awareness and decision-making
Understanding of online safety, healthy lifestyles, financial awareness and citizenship
A safe space to explore real-life issues and ask questions with trusted adults

We teach PSHE through a combination of structured lessons, circle time, reflection activities and whole-school events. Learning is progressive and builds year on year so that pupils develop confidence, independence and a strong moral compass.

Rooted in Our Catholic Faith

As a Catholic school, our PSHE curriculum is deeply rooted in our faith and mission. It supports children to see themselves and others as unique and loved by God. We draw on Gospel values as we explore themes such as:

Respect for self and others
Compassion and kindness
Justice and fairness
Responsibility and stewardship
Forgiveness and reconciliation

Our PSHE programme encourages pupils to grow not just academically but spiritually and morally. It nurtures virtues such as integrity, courage and humility. Children learn to value difference, to build healthy relationships grounded in respect and dignity, and to contribute positively to their families, school and wider community.

Catholic Understanding of Personal Wellbeing

We recognise that true wellbeing includes the health of the heart and spirit as well as the body and mind. In PSHE, pupils develop strategies for managing emotions, building resilience and seeking support when they need it. Through reflection, prayer and shared discussion, they are encouraged to deepen their sense of purpose and to care for others as Jesus taught.

Keeping Children Safe

Our approach to PSHE ensures that children learn about:

Keeping safe online and offline
Recognising healthy and unhealthy relationships
Understanding boundaries and consent
Knowing where to get help and who to speak to if they are worried

All sensitive topics are taught in a respectful, age-appropriate way, within the context of our Catholic values and with clear links to ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing.

PSHE Parental Consultations

In 2025, the DfE launched updated statutory RSHE (relationships, sex and health education) guidance which replaces the current, 2019 guidance. Schools have until September 2026 to adapt their curriculum to reflect these updated requirements. This is a positive opportunity to bring our curriculum content up to date in a changing world, whilst maintaining our age-appropriate focus on the core knowledge and essential skills that children need to navigate different aspects of their lives with confidence both in and beyond primary school.

At St Bede's we use SCARF as our comprehensive PSHE curriculum. It's designed to help children be their best – physically, mentally, emotionally and academically – through the SCARF values of Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship.

The programme consists of five half-term units Me and my relationships, Valuing difference, Keeping safe, Rights and respect, Being my best. We will continue to use Journey in Love to deliver our RSE curriculum. The updated guidance enhances the SCARF programme we already know and trust, rather than requiring radical changes. The strong foundations remain the same – we continue to focus on building the fundamental skills and knowledge children need – whilst ensuring our content reflects the world they are growing up in.

As part of our review, we are also considering the views of our school community. As part of our review process, we warmly invite parents/carers to:

• Look through some of the updated SCARF materials, and understand how the curriculum meets statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education

• Read our draft revised school policy

• Ask questions or share comments about any aspect of our PSHE provision

• Understand your right to request withdrawal from specific non-statutory Sex Education lessons