PSHE Curriculum
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) Curriculum Statement
At Nicol Mere, we recognise the vital role that PSHE plays in preparing our children for life in an ever-changing world. As they grow up in a society where the lines between online and offline life are increasingly blurred, our children face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Through high-quality PSHE education, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, understanding, and life skills needed to thrive—both now and in the future.
Our curriculum empowers children to make informed choices, develop resilience, and build healthy relationships. It also helps them to manage their physical and mental health, understand risk, and know how and when to seek help. Above all, we aim to nurture confident, respectful, and responsible individuals who are ready to take an active and positive role in society.
Intent
Our PSHE curriculum is designed to:
- Deliver a broad and balanced programme tailored to meet the needs of all pupils
- Provide the knowledge and skills to keep children safe, healthy, and happy—physically, mentally, and socially
- Promote personal growth, self-awareness, and understanding of spiritual, moral, and cultural values
- Develop pupils’ understanding of British Values, including democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance
- Provide up-to-date, balanced, and factual information that helps children make safe and informed decisions
- Prepare children for the next steps in their education and life beyond the classroom
- Equip children with the tools to become successful, respectful contributors to the world of work, relationships, and their wider community
Implementation
PSHE is structured around three core themes that are embedded and revisited throughout the curriculum:
1. Relationships
2. Health and Wellbeing
3. Living in the Wider World (Personal, Social and Economic Education)
These themes are taught progressively from EYFS through to Year 6, ensuring that learning is built upon year after year. We ensure full coverage of the statutory Relationships and Health Education guidance, integrating it meaningfully across all three strands.
Children engage in a variety of teaching approaches including:
- Whole-class discussions
- Group activities
- Real-life scenarios
- Reflection time
- Circle time and pupil voice feedback
Impact
By the time children leave Nicol Mere, they will:
- Approach real-life situations with confidence and emotional maturity
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to manage relationships, health, and wellbeing
- Understand the importance of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect
- Recognise and manage their emotions and look after their mental health
- Maintain positive relationships, both in person and online
- Show respect for themselves and others
- Hold a positive self-image and demonstrate self-belief
We measure impact through ongoing discussions, pupil questionnaires, book scrutiny, and pupil voice. Teachers continually reflect on and adapt the curriculum to ensure all pupils make progress and receive the support they need to flourish.
Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)
Sex and Relationships Education is a vital part of our PSHE curriculum. It supports children in understanding what makes a healthy, respectful relationship, both in the real world and online.
Following a consultation with parents and staff, we have enhanced our SRE content to ensure it is age-appropriate and relevant. Our curriculum helps children to understand their bodies, respect themselves and others, and feel confident to ask questions and seek support when needed.
Safeguarding and Pastoral Support
Nicol Mere is part of the Operation Encompass initiative, which connects schools directly with the police to provide timely support for children exposed to domestic abuse. We are committed to ensuring children feel safe, heard, and supported.
Our ‘Keeping Ourselves Safe’ Curriculum helps children:
- Understand healthy friendships and boundaries
- Recognise inappropriate or harmful behaviour
- Know how to ask for help and who to turn to
This curriculum empowers children to protect themselves and builds their confidence to face life’s challenges with resilience and self-awareness.