Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) at the meon valley federation
Our Vision for PSHE
At the Meon Valley Federation, we envision Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education as a cornerstone of our curriculum, dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, confident, and empathetic individuals. Our aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can develop the essential skills and knowledge they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and become responsible, active members of society.
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health We believe that emotional wellbeing and mental health are fundamental to a child's overall development. Our PSHE curriculum is designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop a positive self-image. Through age-appropriate activities and discussions, we encourage children to express their feelings, recognise and respect the emotions of others, and develop strategies for coping with challenges. We aim to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and understood.
Social Skills and Relationships Developing strong social skills and positive relationships is a key focus of our PSHE program. We teach children the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect for others. Through collaborative activities, role-playing, and group discussions, children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work cooperatively with their peers. We also emphasise the importance of diversity and inclusion, helping children appreciate and celebrate differences, and fostering a sense of belonging within our school community.
Health and Wellbeing Our PSHE curriculum promotes a healthy lifestyle by educating children about the importance of physical health and wellbeing. We teach children about nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene, and safety, empowering them to make informed choices about their health. We also address topics such as online safety and the dangers of substance abuse in an age-appropriate manner, ensuring that children have the knowledge and skills to stay safe and healthy in various aspects of their lives.
Economic Understanding and Responsibility We aim to introduce children to basic economic concepts and the value of money through our PSHE program. Children learn about saving, spending, and making choices, helping them develop a sense of financial responsibility from an early age. We also encourage children to think about their future aspirations and the importance of education and hard work in achieving their goals.
Citizenship and Community Involvement Our PSHE curriculum fosters a sense of citizenship and community involvement. We teach children about their rights and responsibilities, both within the school and the wider community. Through activities such as community projects, charity events, and environmental initiatives, children learn the importance of contributing to society and making a positive impact. We aim to inspire children to be active, responsible citizens who care about the world around them.
In summary, our vision for PSHE is to equip children with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. We aim to support their emotional, social, and physical development, preparing them to be happy, healthy, and responsible individuals.
How do we plan PSHE?
At the Meon Valley Federation we use the SCARF Curriculum.
The SCARF (Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, Friendship) PSHE curriculum is a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to support the personal, social, health, and economic education of children in UK schools. Developed by Coram Life Education, SCARF provides a structured framework that aligns with national standards and statutory requirements, ensuring that children receive a high-quality education in these essential areas.
Holistic Development SCARF is built around five core themes: Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, and Friendship. These themes are woven throughout the curriculum, promoting the holistic development of children. The program aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives. By focusing on these key areas, SCARF helps children develop a strong sense of self-worth, empathy for others, and the resilience to overcome challenges.
Engaging and Flexible One of the standout features of the SCARF curriculum is its flexibility and engagement. The program offers a wide range of lesson plans, activities, and resources that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each school and its pupils
. Teachers are provided with clear guidance and support, making it easy to implement the curriculum effectively. The engaging activities are designed to be age-appropriate and interactive, ensuring that children remain interested and motivated throughout their learning journey.
Cross-Curricular Integration SCARF is designed to be integrated across the curriculum, making connections with subjects such as Science, Literacy, and Physical Education. This cross-curricular approach helps children see the relevance of their learning and how it applies to different aspects of their lives. For example, lessons on healthy lifestyles might include discussions on nutrition in Science, while activities on friendship and teamwork can be linked to group projects in Literacy or P.E.
Inclusivity and Accessibility Inclusivity is at the heart of the SCARF curriculum. The program is designed to be accessible to all children, regardless of their background or abilities
. Differentiated activities and resources ensure that every child can participate and benefit from the lessons. SCARF also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, encouraging children to appreciate and respect differences and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community.
Supporting Wellbeing and Safety SCARF places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing and safety of children. The curriculum includes lessons on emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal safety, providing children with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern life. Topics such as online safety, healthy relationships, and substance abuse are addressed in an age-appropriate manner, ensuring that children are well-informed and prepared to make safe and healthy choices.
In summary, the SCARF PSHE curriculum is a valuable resource for UK schools, offering a comprehensive and flexible approach to personal, social, health, and economic education. By focusing on the holistic development of children and promoting inclusivity, SCARF helps to create a positive and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.
Below are the units that are taught in each Year Group in our PSHE lessons:
Year R
Year 1
Year 2
Please see our RHSE Policy below: