At Elmstead Primary School, the PSHE curriculum enables children to become independent, confident, healthy and responsible members of society, as well as developing the “whole child” intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually. Through carefully planned lessons, we give children the tools to be able to deal with issues themselves, which in turn, develops independence, resilience and confidence. Our aim is for our PSHE curriculum to prepare children for the diversity of  life in today’s society, as well as giving them the tools to understand when behaviour is unacceptable and when it should be challenged. Therefore, our PSHE curriculum helps give them the knowledge to make informed decisions about their life and future, and how to develop positive and healthy relationships with themselves and others. 

As a school, we follow Jigsaw, a progressive approach which builds on the work year on year, from EYFS through to Y6.  It is taught weekly, in a fun, engaging and age-appropriate way. Jigsaw lessons also include mindfulness, allowing children to advance their emotional awareness, concentration and focus. 

At the beginning of the year, each class comes up with their own Jigsaw Charter - a set of ‘behaviours’ which the children refer back to during Jigsaw lessons, creating a positive and respectful ethos in Jigsaw lessons. 

Jigsaw Friends - The Jigsaw Friends are integral to Jigsaw learning. They act as distancing tools to keep learning about sensitive issues safe e.g. Jigsaw Jino has a problem in the playground and the children help Jino find a solution.

The Friends also act as Talking Objects in the Jigsaw Circle, so the children know when they are holding Jigsaw Jack it is their turn to talk (if they choose to) and be listened to. Each class has a different Jigsaw friend - which is in your child’s class?

Jigsaw consists of six half-term units of work (Puzzles), each containing six lessons (Pieces). Puzzles are undertaken with a whole-school approach, with each year group studying the same unit at the same time (at their own age appropriate level), building sequentially through the school year, and facilitating whole-school learning themes:    

Term 1: Being Me in My World, 

Term 2: Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying),  

Term 3: Dreams and Goals, 

Term 4: Healthy Me,       

Term 5: Relationships,        

Term 6: Changing Me (including Sex Education)