Personal, Social and Health Education, including Relationships Education

At Dunchurch Boughton C of E Infant Academy and Nursery, our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) curriculum is rooted in our Christian vision, ‘Roots to Grow, Wings to Fly’, inspired by the Parable of the Mustard Seed. We believe that every child should feel valued, loved and supported, developing strong foundations from which they can grow, flourish and become confident, compassionate and responsible individuals. Our PSHE curriculum nurtures children’s emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-awareness and understanding of others, helping them to build positive relationships, celebrate differences and make thoughtful choices as they navigate the world around them.

PSHE is taught weekly across all year groups using the Jigsaw PSHE scheme of work, a whole-school programme that supports children’s personal, social, health and emotional development. Jigsaw combines PSHE education, emotional literacy, resilience and positive mental health, whilst meeting the statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education. Through carefully sequenced, age-appropriate learning experiences, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand themselves, care for others and contribute positively to their communities. In doing so, we provide children with the roots to develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing, and the wings to approach life's opportunities and challenges with courage, kindness and confidence.

Jigsaw is taught through six themes (or “puzzles”), which are revisited each year, so learning builds gradually as children grow.

1. Being Me in My World
   Focusses on belonging, self-identity, classroom rules, teamwork, and understanding rights and responsibilities.

2. Celebrating Difference
   Encourages respect for diversity, kindness, empathy, and understanding differences. It also supports anti-bullying and inclusion.

3. Dreams and Goals
   Helps children set goals, understand perseverance, celebrate achievements, and learn how to cope with challenges.

4. Healthy Me
   Covers physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles, understanding emotions, online safety, and (age-appropriately) managing risks.

5. Relationships
   Explores friendships, family relationships, communication, conflict resolution, and understanding appropriate boundaries.

6. Changing Me
   Teaches age-appropriate knowledge about growing and changing, including puberty and relationships education, with an emphasis on respect, consent, and body awareness.

Jigsaw is designed to support the whole child, not just academic learning. Lessons aim to help children:

• Understand and manage their emotions
• Develop empathy and kindness
• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Make safe, healthy choices
• Communicate effectively and respectfully

Each lesson includes:

• Calm reflection or mindfulness
• Discussion and group learning
• Practical activities
• Opportunities for children to share their thoughts in a safe, supportive way

The Jigsaw approach:

• Is age-appropriate and carefully sequenced
• Promotes respect for all families and backgrounds
• Encourages open discussion without pressure to share personal experiences
• Is inclusive of children with different needs and experiences

Children are never required to disclose personal information and are taught how to seek help from trusted adults if they have worries or questions.

The information on this page, including links to the right at the top of the page, details how Jigsaw covers the relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education requirements as outlined by the Department for Education. The relevant policy can be found on the policies page of the website.  

In addition to Jigsaw, we also teach the Protective Behaviours programme in the autumn term. 

Protective Behaviours is a personal safety and wellbeing curriculum that helps children and adults develop confidence, resilience, and practical skills to keep themselves safe—emotionally, physically, and socially. It is widely used in schools, early years settings, community groups, and families.

At the heart of Protective Behaviours are two simple messages that children learn and revisit as they grow:

1. We all have the right to feel safe all the time
   Children are encouraged to understand that feeling safe is important and that their safety matters—at home, at school, online, and in the community.

2. We can talk with someone about anything, even if it feels awful or small
   Children are taught that there are trusted adults they can talk to if they feel worried, uncomfortable, or unsure—no matter what the issue is.

For more information, please see the links to the right hand side of the page.