At Latymer All Saints we are dedicated to teaching an enriching Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE) Curriculum that is relevant to both the needs of our pupils and our community.

An increasing quantity of research shows that pupils who are emotionally happy do better at school. PSHE education helps children and young people to realise their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their capacity to learn, such as anxiety and unhealthy relationships. PSHE education also facilitates pupils to develop their skills and aptitudes-like teamwork, communication, and resilience- that are vital to navigating the challenges and prospects of the modern world.

At Latymer All Saints we use the HeartSmart scheme of work which links to 6 themes: Get HeartSmart, Don’t Forget to Let Love In, Too Much Selfie Isn’t Healthy, Don’t Hold onto What’s Wrong, Fake is a Mistake and No Way through Isn’t True. Each of these themes aims to support pupils in their holistic and personal development, help them to develop the necessary understanding and awareness to become confident, responsible, and globally minded citizens with a true awareness of themselves and others and developmental progression by revisiting themes year on year, building on and extending prior learning.

This academic year we are enhancing and developing our PSHE curriculum by embedding a weekly circle time session in all classes. Circle time is a tool for developing positive relationships and improving behaviour, it aims to give our pupils the tools to engage and listen to each other. It’s often used as an opportunity to solve problems that are affecting the class, for example too much talking during lessons, or someone being picked on. The whole class takes part in Circle Time at the same time, usually led by their teacher, who sits in the circle with their pupils. The circle encourages unity, respect, turn-taking and working together towards a shared vision. It also helps children work on five key skills, without which Circle Time doesn’t work: thinking, listening, looking, speaking, and concentrating.

From September 2020, the Health Education and Relationship Education aspects of PSHE education became compulsory in all schools. Teaching about relationships is an integral part of a developmental PSHE education curriculum which contributes to safeguarding pupils. We strongly believe that through our teaching, we will be able to equip our pupils with the skills they need to successfully manage the potential challenges of relationships in the modern world. As a school which celebrates and welcomes inclusivity, difference, and diversity, this is an exciting chance to develop these relevant themes into our PSHE curriculum in line with our Christian ethos and school vision. The Governing Body at Latymer All Saints have agreed that the school staff will use the Christopher Winter Project as its scheme of work for delivering specific RSE to our children. The scheme of work covers RSE from Reception to Year 6 with clear progression from year to year to ensure that our children receive age appropriate but necessary information to prepare them for the next stages of their lives. The scheme of work is taught via a series of video clips and resources to enable the children to engage in the learning. Each year group will have a series of lessons. After each lesson, time is allowed for discussion, questions, and answers. Staff are trained to deliver the scheme of work and the materials contained within the syllabus fit within our ethos and vision as a school. Parents are notified in advance when the RSE units are to be taught and invited to look at the resources if they wish.