Netherfield CE Primary School

Relationship, sex and health education at Netherfield CEP School

At Netherfield Primary School, we believe that relationship, sex and health education (RSHE) enables our children to become healthy, safe, independent and responsible members of society. It aims to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We are dedicated to ensuring that Netherfield Primary School is a happy, stimulating and caring place and we expect high standards of behaviour and good manners throughout the school. Behaviour and attitude to learning is underpinned by values and learning dispositions, making these integral to the success of the whole school. RSHE is at the heart of our school ethos.

We encourage our children to take part in a range of practical roles and activities that promote active citizenship: school councillor, junior library assistants, whole school and house team fundraising plus engagement in school and local events. We aim for our children to have opportunities to meet and work with members of the community, such as: health workers, firefighters, police officers, librarians, sports coaches, secondary school pupils, artists, authors, community groups, representatives from the local church and wider community.  We participate in, and promote national events such as Comic Relief, Anti-Bullying Week and Children in Need.

RSHE at Netherfield CEP School

We are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all pupils at Netherfield Primary School and strategies that support this are our outdoor learning, pastoral small group support and nurture, alongside quality teaching and learning about awareness and management of mental health through the RSHE curriculum.

RSHE is taught as both explicit lessons, using the Educator Solutions RSE scheme of work,  and the Dimensions Curriculum.  It is also embedded in other areas of the curriculum and the day-to-day life of the school.

Our school prides itself on delivering effective, age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSHE) that meets the needs of all our pupils within an inclusive and supportive learning environment; using non-biased resources. RSHE is taught by experienced and skilled teaching staff who are committed to preparing your child to live and learn safely in the modern world, negotiating the transition into increasing independence with the development of knowledge, values and skills to make positive, healthy and safe choices.

RSHE is delivered as a spiral curriculum that enables pupils to build on their prior learning by revisiting some themes to further develop knowledge, values and skills in an age and stage-appropriate manner. As such, some themes are repeated to enable a deeper exploration of the related issues.

We can reassure you that none of the teaching materials or strategies should shock pupils. All lessons will be taught in a strictly non-judgemental and non-biased manner, to allow your child the opportunity to consider the information and develop their own values, attitudes and opinions about the topic. We would encourage you to discuss your child’s relationships and sex education with them at home.

If you would like to know more information about our programme of relationships and sex education, please feel free to contact any member of staff.

Top tips for talking to your child... 

Talking to your child about their feelings, relationships and changing body is important. Building good channels of communication throughout childhood can help your child to communicate with you as future issues of increasing seriousness arise. 

Your child needs to know that it's OK to talk, and that you're happy to talk. They will learn this through your body language, tone and manner when you talk so try to behave as you would in any other topic of conversation. 

Below are simple strategies to make talking about feelings, relationships and the body 

more comfortable: 

✔ Start by talking about something that you both find comfortable, such as feelings and emotions. 

✔ Ask your child what they think their friends know/think about the topic, as this provides a way to talk about your child’s views indirectly. 

✔ Avoid ‘The Chat’. Talk about these topics little and often over everyday events like playing, drawing, whilst driving in the car or watching TV. This can help to normalise the conversation, easing uncomfortable feelings. 

✔ Reading a story book containing relevant content is a helpful way to stimulate discussion with your child. 

✔ Don’t leave it too late. Start talking about relevant topics before you feel your child is approaching a level of curiosity about it, so you establish strong channels of communication in readiness. 

✔ Be prepared to listen. Your child will want to have their voice heard without feeling judged. 

Feeling listened to will encourage your child to talk about issues in the future. 

✔ If your child asks you a question you are not sure how to answer, don’t panic! Let them know that you will answer it at another time, making sure you remember to. Sometimes a simple answer can provide a sufficient response. 

✔ Try to listen calmly, even if what they say surprises or concerns you. Remember that it is good that they are comfortable to discuss issues with you. They need to trust that you will not respond negatively. 

Yr R - 6 Guidance