Whole School Vision for PSHE:

At Bedford Primary we are passionate about ensuring we teach a bespoke PSHE curriculum to support the needs and wellbeing of the pupils in our community. We strive for our pupils to move from childhood to adolescence with support and guidance to encourage both an awareness of others and the growth of responsible independence. Through this, we believe children can develop the confidence, talents and skills to become effective open-minded individuals, motivated learners, confident communicators and active, curious citizens. Crucial skills and positive attitudes developed through comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) are critical to ensuring children are effective learners.

We want our children to:

• Have a growth mindset 
• Show empathy and respect to other people’s point of view
• To make links between learning in the classroom and how it applies to the wider world. 
• To know how to look after their physical and mental health
• To know how to build and recognise healthy relationships
• Have a deep understanding of British Values.
• Recognise the positive impact they can have in their community

Skills needed to thrive in PSHE at Bedford

Our PSHE curriculum

At Bedford, we deliver a spiral curriculum, meaning our pupils will explore all 6 strands each half term. This is to ensure that children are refreshing and reinforcing key messages throughout the academic year. The 6 strands are: 

Emotion Works: Pupils will develop their emotional vocabulary through implementing the 7-cog model. This progressive model ensures pupil are exposed to age-appropriate language and make explicit links to how these emotions feel, impact our behaviour and the external factors that impact our mood. To find out more about emotion works, please visit our Emotion Works Page.

Relationships: Pupils will explore what a healthy and unhealthy relationship looks like and equip them with the skills to identify and keep themselves safe. Pupils will look at both family relationships and friendships. This unit will include coverage of the 'Speak Out and Stay Safe' annual NSPCC event and build awareness of different family dynamics to build tolerance and awareness.

Keeping Safe: Pupils will explore how to keep themselves safe online and in the local community. This includes coverage of the NSPCC PANTS material, safe use of public transport, health risks associated to alcohol/smoking/vaping and developing a strong understanding of how to keep themselves safe online.

Future Aspirations: Working in conjunction with Edge Hill University, Bedford pupils will explore a range of career paths. Each year group will focus on a certain area and develop a deeper understanding of the variety of jobs they could aspire to in the future. 

Community and Inclusion: Working in conjunction with 'Social Signature', Bedford pupils will develop a deeper understanding of their local community and the positive impact they can place upon it. Pupils will also celebrate refugee week and explore role models during Black History month using the 'Little People, Big Dreams' books by Isabel Sanchez Vegara. 

All About Me: Pupils will explore their mental and physical wellbeing and the build an understanding of how to promote a positive lifestyle. This can include good sleep hygiene, an active lifestyle and exploring their interests and hobbies. Pupils will also gain an understanding of physical and personality changes as they grow. 

Working with Lyfta

Bedford primary are working in conjunction with LYFTA to provide our pupils with a deep sense of connection, understanding and belonging to a global community. We want our pupils to feel that they have agency to create a brighter future. LYFTA have worked closely with Bedford to provide cinematic experiences that connect learning to real life through authentic human stories. Throughout our scheme of work, pupils will explore a range of immersive Storyworlds, giving insight into communities across the globe and will use a combination of film and multimedia learning resources. 

Mindfulness Activities 

Bubble Bounce: Mindful looking – helps with focus  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEuFi9PxKuo

Belly Breathing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiMb2Bw4Ae8

Rainbow Relaxation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIbBI-BT9c4

Thought Bubbles – Thought awareness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70j3xyu7OGw

Snowy sensations – Visualisation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkm2lFVVlqE

Mindful Moments

30 second visualisation and breathing exercise - star

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-3n5iBi4u0

30 second visualisation and breathing exercise - dome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEGnXTiaNIM

30 second visualisation and breathing exercise - pyramid

https://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpI9bm3lTQw

Talking to your child about puberty and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) at home:

amaze junior

Little children can have big questions. amaze jr. provides age-appropriate relationships and sex education resources for parents to use when talking to young children.  There are fun videos to share and watch together.  Click on the logo to the left to visit the site. 

Sitting in a car

Sarah Sproule's brilliant Youtube videos discuss how to chat with your child about puberty and RSE in a way that makes them feel supported and able to come to you with any questions or worries they have as they grow up. 

Click on the logo to the left to visit her Youtube channel. 

Outspoken Sex Education

Getting parents talking openly about sex, bodies, consent and relationships.

Click on the logo to visit the site.

NHS Better Mind Matters

A great parental website that offers useful tips and advice to support their children. This can include wellbeing tips, signs to look out for, looking after your own mental health and signposting to many other useful websites.