Helsby Hillside Primary SchoolPersonal, Social and Health Education
Intent - What Do We Aspire for Our Children?
Our Curriculum Intent for Personal Development
Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, which includes Relationships Education, encompasses a range of essential skills, knowledge, and attributes that contribute to various aspects of a child’s development. Consisting of both statutory and non-statutory elements of learning, as recommended by the DfE, PSHE serves as a framework for fostering positive behaviour, promoting mental health and well-being, building resilience and facilitating academic achievement. It equips children with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely, develop healthy and secure relationships, interpret media messages critically, challenge extreme views and develop skills and attributes needed for present and future situations.
The provision of PSHE in our school aligns with our broader objectives of nurturing confident and successful learners who possess creativity, resourcefulness, and problem-solving abilities. The school’s curriculum and culture prioritise the social and emotional development of pupils throughout all subject areas. Our PSHE program is designed around recurring themes, that follow a spiral curriculum approach, to achieve the following objectives:
We recognise the strong connection between students’ health, well-being, and academic progress. The essential skills and positive attitudes developed through comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education play a crucial role in ensuring that children become effective learners.
Curriculum Implementation
Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is delivered using the SCARF scheme, which provides a comprehensive, progressive framework to support pupils’ wellbeing, relationships, and personal development. SCARF covers five key themes—Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, and Friendship—that underpin all learning and contribute to the holistic development of every child.
PSHE lessons are taught weekly, following a well-structured, age-appropriate programme that builds knowledge, skills, and attitudes in a safe and inclusive environment. Each unit includes engaging activities, discussions, and opportunities for reflection, enabling pupils to develop emotional literacy, social skills, and a positive mindset.
The scheme integrates statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education and promotes British Values alongside mental health awareness and online safety. Regular assessment and teacher feedback ensure that learning is responsive to the needs of all pupils. Through SCARF, we aim to empower children to make informed choices, develop healthy relationships, and grow into confident, responsible members of their communities.
The No Outsiders scheme complements our PSHE curriculum by actively promoting understanding, respect, and celebration of diversity within our school community. It teaches children about different identities, families, cultures, and abilities through inclusive stories and discussions, helping to foster empathy, challenge discrimination, and create a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels valued and included.
