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‘All children are different, all are welcome.’- No Outsiders

PSHE at Cordwalles Junior School

What PSHE Means at Cordwalles

PSHE at Cordwalles Junior School supports children to grow into confident, healthy and respectful individuals. We believe that emotional and social development is essential for children to thrive, and our curriculum helps pupils understand themselves, build positive relationships and make safe, informed choices.

A strong sense of belonging sits at the heart of our school family. Every child is welcomed, valued and supported to feel part of our community. Our PSHE curriculum helps children understand who they are, how they fit into the world around them and how they contribute to the life of our school.

Our PSHE approach is rooted in our school values:

  • Respect – valuing ourselves and others

  • Kindness – showing care and compassion

  • Confidence – believing in ourselves and our abilities

  • Curiosity – wanting to learn, explore and understand

These values shape our lessons, assemblies, behaviour expectations and everyday interactions across the school.

Through PSHE, children learn to:

  • recognise and manage their emotions

  • develop resilience and confidence

  • build healthy friendships and relationships

  • stay safe online and offline

  • understand their role within the community

  • celebrate differences and value others

  • feel proud of who they are and where they belong

Our Curriculum

We follow the Jigsaw PSHE 7–11 programme, which provides a clear, age appropriate and progressive structure. This is supported by our Autumn No Outsiders unit, which teaches children about equality, diversity and the Protected Characteristics.

The curriculum includes:

  • Families and friendships

  • Respectful relationships and bullying

  • Online safety and digital literacy

  • Mental wellbeing and emotional regulation

  • Physical health, healthy lifestyles and first aid

  • Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping

  • Puberty and body changes

How We Teach PSHE

PSHE is taught weekly through the Jigsaw scheme, which is built around six half termly units:

  • Being Me in My World

  • Celebrating Difference

  • Dreams and Goals / CompassForLife (Year 6)

  • Healthy Me

  • Relationships

  • Changing Me

Beyond the Classroom

PSHE at Cordwalles is part of our whole school culture:

  • Assemblies reinforce themes such as kindness, respect, diversity, safety, wellbeing and British Values.

  • Role Modelling by all staff demonstrates positive relationships, respectful communication and emotional regulation.

  • School values are celebrated daily and referenced in behaviour conversations, rewards and class discussions.

  • A culture of belonging ensures every child feels part of our school family, supported by inclusive practices and nurturing relationships.

  • Special events such as Anti Bullying Week, Safer Internet Day and Mental Health Awareness activities strengthen key messages.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

Zones of Regulation

We use the Zones of Regulation across the school to help children recognise and manage their emotions. This shared language supports emotional regulation, reduces anxiety and helps children feel understood and supported.

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

Our trained ELSA provides targeted emotional support for children who may need additional help with:

  • friendships

  • anxiety

  • self esteem

  • emotional regulation

  • bereavement or family changes

ELSA sessions help children feel safe, listened to and connected — strengthening their sense of belonging.

Wider Personal Development at Cordwalles

PSHE is strengthened by a wide range of additional opportunities that help children develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally.

Fundamental British Values

Fundamental British Values are woven throughout our curriculum and school life. Children learn about:

  • Democracy – through Pupil Parliament elections, class votes and shared decision making

  • The Rule of Law – through behaviour expectations and restorative conversations

  • Individual Liberty – by making safe choices and expressing opinions

  • Mutual Respect – through teamwork, assemblies and daily interactions

  • Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs – through RE lessons, No Outsiders and community links

These values help children understand how to live well together and contribute positively to society.

Community Links and External Visitors

Money Workshops – The Money Charity

We work with The Money Charity, who deliver engaging workshops to help pupils understand budgeting, saving, spending and financial wellbeing.

St Martin’s Church & Rev Chris

Our strong partnership with St Martin’s Church enriches children’s understanding of community, belonging and spirituality.

This includes:

  • Rev Chris leading assemblies

  • Classes visiting the church for RE learning

  • Opportunities for reflection, celebration and connection

Intergenerational Music Project

Children take part in an intergenerational music project at St Martin’s Church, making music alongside older members of the community. This project builds confidence, empathy and a deep sense of belonging across generations.

Developing SMSC, Leadership and Pupil Voice

Pupil Parliament

Our Pupil Parliament gives children a meaningful voice in school life. Representatives meet regularly to discuss ideas, share pupil views and contribute to school improvement.

Pupil Voice

Children are encouraged to share their opinions through:

  • class discussions

  • surveys

  • leadership roles

Their views help shape school decisions and strengthen their sense of ownership and belonging.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

SMSC is embedded across the curriculum and wider school life through:

  • reflection in assemblies

  • celebrating diversity

  • community projects

  • charity events

  • teamwork and collaboration

  • opportunities to explore beliefs, values and identity

Information for Parents and Carers

We provide a range of up to date guides to support families:

What is Jigsaw? A guide for parents and carers (updated March 2026)

Talking-about-puberty-2026.pdf (updated January 2026)

Talking-about-puberty-sex-education-and-growing-up-with-your-child.pdf (updated January 2026)

Including and Valuing ALL Children (updated April 2026)

 

Please visit the Policies page to see the following policies relating to PSHE:

  • PSHE Policy

  • RSE Policy

  • Safeguarding Policy

  • Behaviour Policy

  • Online Safety Policy

  • Equality Policy

  • SEND Policy

  • Health and Safety Policy

Working Together

We believe PSHE is most effective when school and families work together. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the curriculum or see the resources used in class, please contact the school office.