PSHE

PSHE

At Purple Oaks Academy , we recognise that Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED), Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE), and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) are vital components of a holistic education. For our students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), these areas are essential for fostering the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for emotional well-being, independence, and successful integration into society. Our intent is to provide a safe and inclusive environment where all pupils, from Early Years Foundation Stage to Post 16, can develop independence, enhance their emotional regulation, and improve communication skills—key values that are foundational to both their academic and personal growth. 

Our PSHE curriculum is designed to: 

• Promote Emotional Well-being and Regulation: We prioritise emotional regulation by helping students understand and manage their emotions. This encourages resilience and the ability to navigate challenges. Our lessons provide opportunities for students to explore their emotions in a safe environment, helping them to become more independent in managing their feelings and actions in different situations. Students develop coping strategies and the confidence to express their emotions effectively. 

• Foster Independence: Independence is at the heart of our PSHE curriculum. By developing self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make informed decisions, students become more independent in their actions. We provide students with the tools they need to take responsibility for their actions, make decisions about their own lives, and be confident in navigating both academic and social challenges. 

• Enhance Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for social and emotional development. Our curriculum ensures that students can express their needs, ideas, and emotions clearly and respectfully. We support students in improving their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, fostering positive interactions with peers, teachers, and the wider community. By enhancing their communication abilities, we empower students to participate fully in social and academic settings. 

• Support Positive Relationships: Through PSHE, students learn the importance of healthy relationships, both with themselves and others. This includes understanding boundaries, respect, and empathy. We help students develop the communication skills necessary to form positive relationships, and we teach strategies for resolving conflicts, understanding others' perspectives, and building social connections. 

• Prepare for Life in Modern Society: We prepare students to navigate the world around them by focusing on social skills, self-care, safety, and health. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. By doing so, we support the development of independence, ensuring that students are equipped to manage their health and relationships in adulthood. 

Implementation 

Our PSHE curriculum is carefully designed to be inclusive, responsive, and appropriate for students at all stages of their educational journey, from EYFS through to Post 16. We ensure that Independence, Emotional Regulation, and Communication are central to the way we teach and support students in their development: 

• PSHE association scheme of work We utilise the PSHE association scheme of work, a comprehensive, age-appropriate program that helps students develop their social and emotional skills. This resource is carefully aligned with our values of independence, emotional regulation, and communication, providing a structured approach to building these skills across all age groups. Jigsaw provides lessons that are designed to foster self-awareness, promote healthy relationships, and improve emotional regulation in students, ensuring they are supported at every stage of their journey. 

• EHCP Targets: The targets outlined in each student’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCp) are integral to the way we plan and deliver PSHE. We ensure that PSHE lessons are personalised to meet the specific targets in each student’s EHCp, which may focus on areas such as independence, communication skills, and emotional regulation. Regular reviews and adjustments are made to ensure that each student’s progress is tracked effectively, and their development in these areas is supported throughout their educational journey. 

• Individualised Learning: We recognize that every student has different needs and abilities. Our curriculum is tailored to support individual learning paths, helping each student build their independence and achieve personal goals. By offering personalized resources and activities, we support emotional regulation and communication, ensuring that all students can engage in PSHE lessons at their own pace. 

• Differentiated Teaching Approaches: Lessons are designed with differentiation in mind, using a range of teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs. Whether it’s through visual aids, hands-on activities, or one-to-one support, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the PSHE curriculum. This approach fosters independence and confidence in students as they develop essential life skills. 

• Safe and Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive and safe environment is fundamental to the PSHE curriculum. We encourage open discussions where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Our focus on emotional regulation ensures that students can explore sensitive topics in a way that feels safe and respectful. The classroom is a place where students can practice communication skills and engage in honest, open conversations about their personal development. 

• Collaboration with Families: We understand that emotional and social development extends beyond the classroom. Through regular communication with families, we ensure that the learning students experience in PSHE is supported and reinforced at home. We collaborate with parents and carers to provide strategies for promoting emotional regulation, independence, and effective communication at home, ensuring a holistic approach to student development. 

• Holistic Approach: Our PSHE curriculum is interwoven with other areas of the curriculum, including PSED, RSE, and elements of health education. This enables students to gain a well-rounded education that encourages both independence and positive communication while supporting emotional regulation. Through cross-curricular links, students learn about their rights, responsibilities, and personal well-being, reinforcing the essential life skills necessary for success in modern society. 

Impact 

The impact of our PSHE curriculum is measured through the development of our students' independence, emotional regulation, and communication skills. We evaluate this impact through: 

• Emotional Growth: Students demonstrate greater emotional regulation, including the ability to manage emotions in various situations. As a result, students show increased resilience, improved behaviour, and the ability to navigate challenges with confidence. They take greater responsibility for their emotional well-being and develop coping strategies to handle stress and difficulties. 

• Increased Independence: Students show improvement in their ability to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. They are more independent in their learning and social interactions, demonstrating the ability to make choices and manage their behavior in school and in the community. 

• Improved Communication: Students develop stronger communication skills, both verbally and non-verbally, enabling them to express themselves clearly and respectfully. They become more confident in initiating conversations, asking for help, and interacting with peers and adults. This positive development in communication fosters better relationships and social cohesion. 

• Positive Relationships: Our students develop a deeper understanding of relationships and how to form healthy, respectful connections with others. They exhibit greater empathy, respect for boundaries, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively. Feedback from staff and parents highlights improvements in students' ability to work with others, resolve disputes, and build strong social connections. 

• Preparation for the Future: Through the development of independence, emotional regulation, and communication skills, students are better prepared to transition into adulthood. They have the skills to make informed decisions about their personal well-being, health, and relationships, helping them integrate successfully into society. 

At POA, we are committed to nurturing the independence, emotional regulation, and communication of all our students. Our PSHE curriculum supports their holistic development, ensuring that each student has the skills and confidence to lead a fulfilling and successful life.