At George Eliot, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is an embedded part of our broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is at the heart of our school ethos. British Values are promoted through the overarching aims and objectives of PSHE by supporting our children to become healthy and responsible members of society. It aims to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.

The aims of PHSE at our school are to:

• Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, self-esteem, independence, confidence, empathy and pride.
• Help pupils to develop positive relationships with others based on mutual respect and understanding of differences.
• Help pupils express their opinions and respect the opinions of others.
• Equip pupils with the knowledge they need to be able to make choices that promote a healthy life-style.
• Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place.

• Prepare pupils for puberty and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene.
• Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships.
• Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies.

RSHE

As a part of your child’s education at George Eliot, we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme. PSHE education is the curriculum subject that gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential.

Your child will take part in lessons which will focus on the relationships and health aspect of this programme. These lessons will include teaching about healthy relationships, including friendships; families; growing and changing. Pupils will also have opportunities to ask questions that help prepare them for relationships of all kinds in the modern world.

Following the introduction of the Department of Education’s new statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education framework, parents are unable to withdraw children from the relationships and health education.

Sex Education lessons are taught in Year 6 only.

Parents and Carers do have the right to withdraw their child from sex education lessons, although we strongly believe it is in every child's best interest to remain in these. At George Eliot, sex education lessons will cover:

• How a baby is born and conceived
• Normal Sexual Development including pleasure

PSHE education is taught throughout the school in every year group and is monitored and reviewed regularly by the staff and governing body. Please visit the school’s website - https://www.robinsfieldgeorgeeliotfed.co.uk/policies-other-information/ - for more detail about our Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) policy and curriculum. All PSHE teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our school ethos and values.