PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) Education
At Red Barn Community School, PSHE is a carefully planned and progressive programme that supports children in developing the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives—both now and in the future. As part of our whole-school approach, PSHE helps pupils grow into confident individuals, supportive family members and responsible members of society.
Our curriculum is based on the SCARF programme and is designed to help children lead healthy, safe and balanced lives. It encourages them to become confident, independent learners who can make informed choices and develop positive aspirations for their future. We also support pupils in making successful transitions and beginning to understand pathways towards future careers and economic wellbeing.
A key part of PSHE at Red Barn is giving children the opportunity to reflect on their own values and beliefs, while also exploring the diverse and sometimes complex viewpoints they may encounter in the wider world.
Through PSHE, pupils develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem. They learn how to manage risks, make informed decisions and understand the influences around them. The curriculum also supports children in recognising and celebrating their own identities, understanding differences in others and managing change positively. Communication, emotional awareness and teamwork are central, helping pupils to build and maintain healthy relationships.
We believe that every child should have a voice. PSHE lessons provide a safe and supportive space for discussion, allowing pupils to share their thoughts and experiences openly. This approach helps deepen understanding, removes barriers to participation and ensures that all children—regardless of ability—can contribute fully and feel valued.
Relationships and Health Education (RHE)
Relationships and Health Education (RHE) is a compulsory part of the primary school curriculum in England. At Red Barn Primary School, we provide a high-quality, age-appropriate RHE programme that supports all pupils in understanding themselves, their health and their relationships with others.
What is RHE?
- Relationships Education helps children learn about healthy, respectful relationships, including friendships, family life and staying safe both offline and online.
- Health Education teaches children about physical health and mental wellbeing, helping them understand how the two are connected and how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Sex Education (beyond the science curriculum) supports children in understanding human development and reproduction in a sensitive and age-appropriate way.
We believe it is essential that children are prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities of later life. Through RHE, pupils gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships. They are also encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if they have any worries or questions.
All pupils are taught the statutory aspects of sex education through the science curriculum, including how the human body grows and changes, as well as basic reproduction in plants and animals. In addition, we choose to teach sex education beyond the statutory requirements through the SCARF “Growing and Changing” unit. This includes learning about how babies are conceived and born, in a way that is appropriate to pupils’ age and stage of development. The focus remains on understanding reproduction, in line with Department for Education guidance.
We work closely with parents and carers and consult with them annually about the inclusion of sex education in our curriculum. The vast majority continue to support this approach. Parents and carers are always welcome to discuss the curriculum with us, and our staff receive training and support to ensure lessons are delivered confidently and sensitively.
At Red Barn, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions and exploring important topics. RHE is delivered with care and respect, recognising the needs of all children. We value strong partnerships with families to ensure pupils receive consistent messages at home and at school.
Our Relationships and Health Education Policy outlines how our curriculum is planned and delivered. The SCARF Learning Journeys also show how learning in the “Growing and Changing” unit develops progressively from Year 3 to Year 6 in an age-appropriate way.
