PSHE
At Ainsdale St. John's, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education plays a vital role in supporting children's personal development and wellbeing. We aim to help pupils become confident, resilient and responsible individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to thrive in school and beyond.
Through a nurturing and inclusive approach, children learn how to build positive relationships, manage their emotions, stay safe, make informed choices and contribute positively to their communities. We encourage pupils to develop self-awareness, empathy and respect for others while gaining an understanding of their role as active and responsible citizens.
Our PSHE curriculum supports children to flourish academically, socially and emotionally, helping them to develop the confidence, character and resilience needed to let their light shine both now and in the future.
Our PSHE Offer
Kapow PSHE
At Ainsdale St. John's, we use the Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE curriculum to provide a comprehensive programme of personal, social, health and economic education. The curriculum is organised around the key themes of Families and Relationships, Health and Wellbeing, Safety and the Changing Body, Citizenship, Economic Wellbeing and Identity. Learning is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively, helping children develop confidence, resilience and an understanding of how to make informed and responsible choices. The curriculum also incorporates statutory Relationships Education and Health Education, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
No Outsiders
At Ainsdale St. John's, we use No Outsiders to promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the school community. Based on the principles of the Equality Act 2010, No Outsiders teaches children that everyone is welcome and valued, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Through carefully selected picture books and age-appropriate discussions, pupils learn to celebrate differences, challenge stereotypes and develop respect and understanding for others. The programme supports our commitment to creating a school where there are no outsiders and every child feels that they belong.
My Happy Mind
My Happy Mind is a whole-school mental health and wellbeing programme that helps children understand how their brains work and develop lifelong habits that support positive mental wellbeing. Built around the five modules of Meet Your Brain, Celebrate, Appreciate, Relate and Engage, the programme combines scientific understanding with practical strategies to help children build resilience, self-esteem and emotional regulation. Through regular lessons and activities, pupils learn how to manage their emotions, develop positive relationships and adopt healthy habits that support both their wellbeing and learning.
Picture News
Picture News helps children engage with current events and develop an understanding of the world around them. Using real news stories, images and thought-provoking questions, the programme encourages discussion, critical thinking and reflection. Each resource explores a current issue through the lenses of British values, personal development and global citizenship, helping children consider different viewpoints and develop their own informed opinions. Through Picture News, pupils learn to become thoughtful, respectful and active members of society.
Working in Partnership
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children's personal development, wellbeing and understanding of relationships. Many aspects of PSHE and RSE are best reinforced through everyday conversations at home. Talking openly about feelings, friendships, kindness, respect, safety and healthy lifestyles helps children develop confidence and encourages them to share any worries or concerns.
Children benefit from opportunities to discuss current events, celebrate differences, consider different viewpoints and reflect on the values that are important to their family. Encouraging independence, responsibility and resilience through everyday experiences can also support the skills and knowledge developed in school.
When discussing Relationships and Sex Education, it is important that conversations are age-appropriate, honest and supportive. Creating an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions helps them develop a healthy understanding of relationships, growing up and personal safety.
The following websites provide useful information and resources for parents and children:
Wellbeing and Mental Health
My Happy Mind
Information about the programme and strategies to support children's wellbeing at home.
https://myhappymind.orgYoung Minds
Advice and resources to support children's mental health and emotional wellbeing.
https://www.youngminds.org.ukPlace2Be
Parenting advice and wellbeing resources for families.
https://www.place2be.org.uk
PSHE, Relationships and RSE
PSHE Association
Guidance and information about PSHE and Relationships Education.
https://pshe-association.org.ukNSPCC
Advice on keeping children safe, healthy relationships and talking about difficult topics.
https://www.nspcc.org.ukBBC Bitesize – Personal Development
Child-friendly videos and resources covering wellbeing, relationships and citizenship.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Online Safety
Thinkuknow
Age-appropriate online safety resources for children and parents.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.ukInternet Matters
Practical guidance on online safety, social media and parental controls.
https://www.internetmatters.orgChildnet
Resources and advice to help children stay safe online.
https://www.childnet.com
Current Affairs and Citizenship
Picture News
Information about the Picture News programme and supporting resources.
https://www.picture-news.co.ukBBC Newsround
Child-friendly news reports that help children understand current events.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround
By working together, home and school can help children develop the confidence, resilience, values and life skills needed to thrive both now and in the future.