Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

We believe relationships, sex and health education is important for our pupils and our school because:

It is giving children the knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships.
It is about giving children the opportunity to put knowledge into practice as they develop the capacity to make sound decisions when facing risks, challenges and complex contexts.
It is the recognition that everyone faces difficult situations in their lives and how relationship and sex eduation can support young people to develop resilience, to know how and when to ask for help, and to know where to access support.

RSE is part of the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum in our school delivered through the Jigsaw PSHE 3-11 scheme. While we use sex education to inform children about sexual issues, we do this with regard to matters of morality and individual responsibility, and in a way that allows children to ask and explore moral questions. We do not use sex education as a means of promoting any form of sexual orientation.

In addition to our relationships teaching through the Jigsaw PSHE 3-11 scheme, we teach the Equality Act 2010 through our teaching of the ‘No Outsiders’ ethos using sensitive and age appropriate content and resources. ‘No Outsiders’ promotes respect and tolerance for all of the protected characteristics including sexual orientation and gender reassignment.

RSHE at Braunstone Frith Primary Academy

A Parent and Carer Guide

At our school, we teach Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) in an age-appropriate, sensitive and supportive way. We use the Jigsaw PSHE programme as the basis for our curriculum, adapting the lesson order and content to meet the needs of our children and community.

Our RSHE curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence they need to stay healthy, safe and happy as they grow.

What children will learn in each phase

EYFS (Nursery and Reception)

Children begin learning about:

Naming basic body parts correctly (for example: head, shoulders, knees, toes, arms, legs, hands, feet, face, eyes, ears and mouth)
Growing and changing from babies into children
Healthy eating, exercise, hygiene and sleep
Feelings, friendships and talking about worries
Personal boundaries and privacy

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

Children learn about:

The human life cycle and how bodies change as we grow
Correct scientific names for body parts (penis, testicles, vulva and anus)
Differences between male and female bodies
Private body parts, safe touch and trusted adults
Feelings, friendships and personal boundaries

These lessons are taught as part of our health, relationships, safeguarding and science curriculum and are statutory for all children.

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)

Children learn about:

How babies develop before birth
Families and parenting roles
Puberty and changing bodies
Menstruation and emotional changes
Managing change positively

Puberty lessons are statutory for all children. Lessons about how babies develop before birth are taught as sex education.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6)

Children learn about:

Physical and emotional changes during puberty
Human reproduction and pregnancy
Positive relationships and self-esteem
Body image and emotional wellbeing
Consent and personal responsibility in an age-appropriate context
Preparing for secondary school and increasing independence

Puberty lessons are statutory for all children. Sex education lessons relate to sexual intercourse and reproduction lessons.

How RSHE is taught

RSHE is delivered through discussions, storybooks, videos, PSHE activities and science lessons where appropriate. Teachers create a respectful environment where children feel safe to ask questions and share ideas.

We value the partnership between school and home. If you would like further information about our RSHE curriculum, please contact the school office or your child’s class teacher.

This overview is based on our adapted Jigsaw PSHE curriculum and statutory Relationships and Health Education guidance.