At Greengate Junior School we value the need the need for effective personal development and that it is crucial to the rounded education provided to our pupils.  Every child should have access to effective Health, Sex and Relationship Education.

We have the commitment to provide effective Relationships, Sex and Health Education for all pupils in support of that offered by parents, who are the first educators of their children in this area.  It has been written with regard to the DfE Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSHE) and Health Education guidance 2019 (updated Feb 2022) and statutory requirements uhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/283599/sex_and_relationship_education_guidance.pdf

RSHE teaching contributes to our statutory duty to safeguard children and prepare them for the responsibilities and experiences of adult life considering, friendships, online safety, financial awareness, physical safety and mental wellbeing,

 The materials used will be age appropriate.  We value diversity, encourage respect for all and promote tolerance for, and celebration of, difference.  If situations arise when there is an identified need, we may take positive action through our planning and delivery of RSHE to deal with the issue. RSHE will be accessible to all regardless of their gender or background. 

There are many different faith and cultural perspectives on aspects of RSHE.   We aim to deliver RSHE in a factual, non-judgmental way, ensuring that teachers do not promote one faith or cultural viewpoint, but rather provide a balanced approach.  We want every child and family to feel included, respected and valued.

All children need to feel that RSHE is relevant to them and sensitive to their needs. 

Intent

• Provide a framework alongside other aspects of the curriculum and everyday life in Greengate Junior School.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of positive and healthy relationships and the importance of commitment
• Enable children to gain the skills and understanding to support the development of healthy bodies and minds
• Develop pupils’ skills around assessing risk and keeping safe
• Enable pupils to recognise and manage their emotions effectively
• Support Pupils to effectively manage their health and wellbeing
• Make pupils aware of their rights especially in relation to their bodies
• Enable the development of social and relationship skills and protective behaviours
• Prepare pupils for the physical and emotional changes of puberty
• Develop understanding of reproduction and birth within the context of loving and caring relationships
• Explore a range of attitudes, values and faith perspectives around aspects of relationships.
• Support pupils to use the internet safely and to recognise the benefits and risks that it brings
• Provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to access appropriate support in a safe environment.

Implementation

Resources and teaching programmes

Greengate Junior School is a member of My Happy Mind Plus Programme.  This is a programme backed by the NHS and is supported with evidence founded in neuroscience and positive psychology.   It also provides a full set of P.S.H.E lessons in line with the statutory guidance outlined by the government.

There are three core contents: My Happy Mind, My Happy Body and My Happy World.

External resources

At Greengate Junior School we work with a range of health professionals in the wider community.  External speakers may be used to enhance the delivery of RSHE.  All external speakers will deliver sessions in line with our RSHE policy and safeguarding procedures.

The Role of Parents

We recognise that in RSHE, parents and carers play a core role and we therefore welcome their engagement with our programme.  It is important that RSHE delivered within the Greengate Junior School is explored in more detail within the context of individual families.  We wish to build a positive and supporting relationship with the parents of children at our school therefore we will:

• Inform parents routinely about RSHE policy and practice, (via the school website, letters, emails and parental consultations).
• Curriculum content shared on the website.
• Answer any questions that parents may have about the RSHE of their child.
• Take seriously any issue that parents raise with teachers or governors about the policy and teaching of RSHE.
• Consult and review the policy and curriculum

Any parents wanting more information about our RSHE curriculum can contact Mrs Jackson (Headteacher).

Right to withdraw from Sex Education

Whilst we always try to work with parents to explore their views, we also accept that parents can exercise their right to withdraw their child from the sex education elements of our programme (other than that which comes within the science curriculum).  There is no right to withdraw from Relationships Education or Health Education.  Any parent wishing to exercise this right should initially contact the Headteacher to discuss the matter.

If a pupil is withdrawn from an aspect of Sex Education, alternative arrangements will be put in place. This provision and the nature of this learning will be negotiated on an individual basis, dependent on the needs of the pupil.

Transition

Before moving to secondary school, the children will be taught in line  with the guidance:

• Changes in the body relating to puberty.
• When changes are likely to happen.
• How a baby is conceived and born.

These sessions will be delivered by the school nurse.

SEND

Teachers will plan in different ways and use a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of individuals.  For some children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, a tailored approach may be necessary to ensure learning outcomes are met – this will be discussed with parents/carers and based upon the individual needs of the pupil, prior to the session.

Vulnerable Pupils

Some pupils may have experienced adverse childhood experiences that may impact on their ability to engage with RSHE in a variety of ways. Care will be taken to ensure that there is a sensitivity and parents, or outside agencies will be consulted if needed

Safe Learning in RSHE

It is important that all pupils feel safe and able to participate in RSHE lessons.  To support the involvement of all pupils, teachers will use a range of teaching strategies and ensure that pupils are aware of the expectations before beginning each session.

As with any topic, pupils will ask questions during RSHE to further their understanding.  A variety of settings will be used including, whole class discussions, small groups and opportunity to write questions down.  Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, teachers will employ strategies to ensure that questions are asked and answered in a factual, balanced and age-appropriate way.  Any member of staff that feels the need for training will be offered support.  All staff will be mindful of their safeguarding role and will follow the relevant school procedures if a question / issue raises concern.

A balanced and non-judgmental approach will therefore be taken. Teachers, and all those contributing to RSHE will work to the agreed values within this policy.  The teaching will be inclusive regardless of gender, ethnicity and cultural differences.

Within RSHE pupils will develop confidence in talking, listening and thinking about relationships, keeping safe, health, puberty and sex. 

Impact

Through the knowledge acquired we intent for our pupils to co-operate, feel emotionally secure, gain better mental focus, be able to emotional regulate, improve self-reliance and overall have an increase value of their own self-worth.