Staff are skilled in addressing pupils’ personal and emotional needs.
Ofsted
PSHE
At Down Ampney Primary School we follow Coram Education’s SCARF programme. This stands for Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendships, and provides a whole-school approach to children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Our school follows a mixed age two year rolling programme where we have half termly focuses on one of our six areas of learning. These are ‘Me and My Relationships’, ‘Valuing Difference’, ‘Keeping Myself Safe’, ‘Rights and Responsibilities’, ‘Being my Best’ and ‘Growing and Changing.’ These units have a variety of thoughtful, engaging and fun activities for all ages which echo our school believes and values.
Each year we are also visited by Coram Life Education who provide workshops for all our children where we learn more about our feeling and how to look after ourselves and those around us. Our children love being introduced to ‘George the Giraffe’ and all of his friends!
We also have fantastic links to our local Police and several times a year have officers come into school to teach our KS2 children vital skills and knowledge that will equip them with valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives.
Intent
At Down Ampney, our intent for PSHE is to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to lead healthy, fulfilling lives, both now and in the future. We aim to provide a curriculum that promotes the emotional, social, and physical well-being of our pupils, helping them to develop resilience, empathy, and a positive sense of self.
We aim to:
- Develop pupils’ understanding and appreciation of diversity, promoting equality, and challenging discrimination.
- Equip pupils with the skills necessary to navigate and manage their own mental health and well-being.
- Foster positive relationships, empathy, and respect towards others, both within the school and the wider community.
- Provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their own health, including healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and safety.
- Introduce pupils to economic aspects and prepare them for financial literacy, exploring the principles of managing money and making responsible economic choices.
Implementation
To ensure the effective implementation of our PSHE intent, we employ a structured and holistic approach that encompasses various key principles, practices, and strategies.
We have developed a comprehensive PSHE curriculum that covers a broad range of topics relevant to the pupils’ well-being. The curriculum is purposefully sequenced and progressive, building upon prior knowledge and experiences to deepen pupils’ understanding over time. It is designed to reflect the needs and diversity of our learners, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
Our experienced and knowledgeable staff employ a variety of teaching and learning strategies to engage pupils in PSHE lessons. These strategies include thought-provoking discussions, role-plays, group work, and interactive activities. We differentiate our approach to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to actively participate and contribute to their own learning.
We actively foster collaborative partnerships with external organisations, parents, and members of the local community to enhance the PSHE learning experience. We invite guest speakers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from relevant organisations to share their expertise. This provides real-world context and enriches pupils’ understanding, helping them make connections between their learning and the wider society.
We recognize the importance of enabling pupils to make connections between PSHE and other areas of the curriculum. We integrate PSHE into other subjects, where appropriate, to reinforce key concepts and further embed learning. This cross-curricular approach strengthens pupils’ understanding and helps them apply their knowledge and skills across different contexts.
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment is central to our PSHE provision. We nurture a safe and respectful atmosphere where pupils feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics and sharing their opinions. We actively promote a culture of tolerance, respect, and open-mindedness to ensure all pupils feel valued and included.
Regular assessment and evaluation processes enable us to monitor pupils’ progress and identify areas for further development. Self-reflection opportunities are embedded throughout the PSHE curriculum, allowing pupils to assess their own understanding and refine their skills. This information informs our teaching and enables us to tailor future lessons to meet individual needs effectively.
Impact
Our approach to PSHE has a tangible impact on the emotional, social, and physical well-being of our pupils. We have established key indicators to evaluate the impact of our provision:
Pupil Outcomes and Attitudes: Pupil voice, observations, and assessments demonstrate that our PSHE provision enhances pupils’ emotional resilience, self-esteem, and empathy towards others. Pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to make informed decisions about their own well-being and safety.
Positive Relationships and Behaviours: Our PSHE provision nurtures positive relationships and respectful attitudes amongst pupils. We observe improved communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and peer support networks, leading to a harmonious learning environment.
Community Engagement and Connections: Collaborative partnerships with external organisations and community members foster a sense of belonging and understanding of wider societal issues, ensuring pupils are prepared to become active and responsible citizens.
Pupils can apply the knowledge and skills gained in PSHE to real-life situations, demonstrating their understanding through reflective discussions, responsible decision-making, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Progression and Continuity: Progression in PSHE is evident, with pupils building on prior learning and acquiring a deeper, more sophisticated understanding of the topics covered as they advance through the school.
By adhering to this outstanding PSHE intent, implementing effective strategies, and continuously evaluating the impact of our provision, we are confident in our ability to provide our pupils with an exceptional PSHE education that supports their development into confident, resilient, and socially responsible individuals.