Intent

At our school, we believe that PSHCE is fundamental to preparing children for life, learning and future success. Our PSHCE curriculum is delivered through the Derbyshire County Council PSHE Matters 2026 curriculum, providing a comprehensive, progressive and inclusive framework that is fully aligned with current Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) requirements and designed to meet the personal, social, emotional and health needs of all pupils.

We use the PSHCE Matters programme as the foundation for PSHCE teaching from Nursery through to Year 6, ensuring a coherent and carefully sequenced curriculum that enables children to revisit and build upon key concepts throughout their primary education. Through its spiral approach, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to manage their physical and mental wellbeing, build positive relationships, celebrate diversity, stay safe, become active citizens and prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of modern life. Pupils in Year 6 also take part in the Derbyshire Constabulary Mini Police Programme. This provides additional opportunities for pupils to develop confidence, leadership, responsibility and community awareness through meaningful engagement with local police officers and community projects, enhancing their personal development and understanding of active citizenship.

Our curriculum promotes the development of confident, resilient, respectful and responsible individuals. We place a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, self-regulation, safeguarding, healthy lifestyles, inclusion, equality and economic wellbeing. Through high-quality discussion, reflection and practical experiences, pupils learn to understand themselves and others, recognise and manage risk, make informed decisions and know how and when to seek support.

Impact

The impact of our PSHE curriculum is that pupils leave our school with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate the opportunities and challenges they will encounter throughout their lives. They will demonstrate increasing resilience, independence and emotional literacy, enabling them to understand and manage their feelings, build healthy relationships and respond positively to change.

Pupils understand how to maintain both physical and mental wellbeing, make informed choices about their health and safety, and recognise the importance of respect, equality and inclusion. They can identify risks, know how to stay safe both online and offline, and understand who they can turn to for help and support when needed.

Children develop the communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making skills that prepare them for future learning and life beyond primary school. They become active contributors to their school and wider community, demonstrating empathy, responsibility and respect for others. Through both the PSHE Matters curriculum and the enrichment opportunities provided by programmes such as Mini Police, pupils are well prepared to move forward as confident, respectful and responsible young people who are ready for the next stage of their education and life in modern Britain.