Relationships Education became a statutory subject in all primary schools from September 2020. At St Wilfrid's we teach the compulsory Relationships learning objectives within a wider programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education. 

Intent

Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way. 

The aim of Relationships and PSHE is to put in place the key building blocks of healthy, respectful relationships, focusing on family and friendships, in all contexts, including online. This will sit alongside the essential understanding of how to be healthy. Teaching about mental wellbeing is central to these subjects, especially as a priority for both parents and educators is children’s happiness. We know that children and young people are increasingly experiencing challenges and needing extra support in this area. The content of this subject will give them the knowledge and capability to take care of themselves and receive support if problems arise. 

At St Wilfrid's, we value PSHE and Relationships, teaching pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. We want our children to learn how to understand and regulate their feelings and to know what it means to be kind, honest and responsible members of their community. Safety is of utmost importance as are increasing skills of independence and resilience. We want all of our children to stay healthy, safe and respectful of others and the environment.

Implementation

Our PSHE and Relationships curriculum is taught using the ‘SCARF’ Coram Education programme of study which covers all objectives in the Relationships statutory guidance. We start this programme in F2 and continue it through school to the end of Year 6. Knowledge is revisited and built upon throughout the primary age range, enabling children to recap and reflect on previous learning. SCARF stands for Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship and is taught in half termly units. These units are planned to link in with pupils' needs at different points in the year, school events and our school values. (see below link for whole school overview)

Our lessons promote a range of discussion topics and teaching styles such as circle time activities, role play, decision making and sharing of opinions and experiences with the class.

​Alongside this scheme of learning we take part in National events such as Anti-Bullying week and Children's Mental Health week. We also enhance the scheme by accessing other excellent PSHE & Relationships programmes including DAaRT (Drug, Alcohol and Resilience Training) in Year 6 and The AREP (Anti-Racism Education Programme).

This year we have started working with the Mental Health Support Team and are accessing many fantastic workshops to support our children.

Impact

At St Wilfrid's, our comprehensive Relationships and PSHE curriculum ensures that children are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of today's world, both online and offline. By embedding the SCARF framework and enhancing learning with national events and specialised programmes, we enable pupils to develop healthy, respectful relationships and make safe, informed choices.

The impact of our curriculum is evident in the following areas:

Emotional Wellbeing: Pupils show improved emotional literacy and the ability to understand and regulate their feelings. This contributes to greater resilience, independence, and self-confidence in managing challenges.

Relationships and Social Skills: Children develop an understanding of respect, kindness, and honesty in relationships, as well as an awareness of diversity and inclusivity, helping to create a positive and supportive school environment.

Safety and Responsibility: Pupils acquire the knowledge and skills to stay safe in various contexts, including online, and make responsible decisions for their health and well-being.

Engagement and Preparedness: Through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences and activities, children are equipped to manage the transition to secondary school and beyond with a strong foundation in personal and social responsibility.

Community Values: Our pupils reflect the school’s values, contributing to a culture of care, respect, and responsibility within the school and the wider community.

Ongoing feedback from pupils, parents, and staff, as well as the measurable success of initiatives like Anti-Bullying Week and the Mental Health Support Team workshops, highlights the positive impact of our Relationships and PSHE curriculum. We are proud that our children leave St Wilfrid's as confident, empathetic, and socially responsible individuals, ready to thrive in the modern world.

For further information on Relationships and Sex Education, please click here.