Personal, Social & Health Education including Relationship education
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) is a vital part of school life at Maple Cross that helps children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Through PSHE, children learn how to build healthy relationships, manage emotions, stay safe, respect others and make positive choices. It supports their mental wellbeing, resilience, and understanding of the world around them.
PSHE is so important because education is about far more than academic success. We want our children to grow into kind, responsible, respectful and confident individuals who are prepared for life and a future world that may look very different to today. Through meaningful discussions and reflections, PSHE encourages children to develop empathy, self-belief, and strong values. It also helps pupils understand the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion within our community.
By teaching PSHE effectively, we empower children to become happy, healthy and successful members of society who feel confident in their future and proud of who they are.
Curriculum subject leader: Mrs Hannah Trickett
The Government updated statutory guidance which came into effect from September 2020 with further changes becoming statutory from September 2026.
The revised curriculum subjects include:
- relationships education (primary)
- relationships and sex education (RSE) (secondary)
- health education (state-funded primary and secondary)
Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.
This is why we have made Relationships Education compulsory in all primary schools in England and Relationships and Sex Education compulsory in all secondary schools, as well as making Health Education compulsory in all state-funded schools.
Secretary of State
The PSHE Curriculum- 2020 and beyond (and preparing for September 2026)
Pupils at Maple Cross develop healthy thinking skills that allow them to challenge, question and reflect on all aspects of their life and the lives of those in their local and global community. Through the school’s attributes (REFLECT / LEAD / ASPIRE) and the PSHE curriculum the children become equipped with the tools needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
At Maple Cross we follow the Jigsaw Education scheme of work. Progression is a key aspect of the Jigsaw scheme of work and ensures children build on previous learning and deepen their understanding. The learning focuses on six key themes;
- Being me in my world
- Celebrating differences
- Dreams and goals
- Healthy me
- Relationships
- Changing me
Progression map of whole school learning
Jigsaw Charter
September 2026 and beyond
Curriculum mapping
jigsaw pshe 3 11 rshe 2026 mapping document april 2026.pdf
The document below summarises all the updates for parents.
parents guide to rshe in primary schools 2026.pdf
We are currently consulting parents/carers/guardians and staff about which aspects of sex education we should teach within our relationships education.
Parent Support
Sometimes parents can find it difficult to have discussions with their children about themes of relationships, puberty and sex. Below are resources to compliment our curriculum and support you at home. If you want further support, please to your child's class teacher or arrange to speak to our family support workers.
talking about puberty 2026.pdf
talking about puberty sex education and growing up with your child.pdf
What does Jigsaw teach about LGBT?
Jigsaw believes all children should feel included and Jigsaw is underpinned by the philosophy to value every child as a unique human being, to enable everyone to feel included and to celebrate difference, thus developing empathy, compassion and respect for self and others. We believe that school is a place where all children should feel safe and respected. Part of this is helping children to understand there are many differences and similarities between people and that this can be positive rather than a source of negativity, bullying or discrimination. Jigsaw talks about children and people as being of equal value, without labels and considers the qualities most important in human beings. It unpacks stereotypes and influences and helps children become mindful, aware of their thoughts and feelings and the impact these may have. Full details of how LGBT fits within Jigsaw can be found here -
what does jigsaw 3 11 teach about lgbt relationships.pdf
Protected Characteristics: Ofsted and Jigsaw
It is important that all children have an understanding of the world they are growing up in; learning how to live alongside and show respect for a diverse range of people. When schools undergo Ofsted inspections, they are assessed on how well they equip children to do this, in line with wider expectations relating to a range of guidance.
The Equality Act 2010 The Public Sector Equality Duty in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 requires Ofsted to have due regard to the need to: "(a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under this Act; (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it." — Equality Act 2010, Section 149(1)
Further details of how protected characteristics fit within Jigsaw can be found here -