Hillside Community Primary School

Together we can shine

As a subject, PSHE aims to provide children with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves happy, healthy and safe, as well as to prepare them for life and work. PSHE aims to give children the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives.

Navigating our complex world can be challenging, and parents and teachers play an essential role in preparing children for the future. 

We have implemented ‘The Jigsaw Approach’ throughout the school, across all classes from EYFS to Y6, in addition to covering PSHE through other areas of the school’s curriculum e.g. RE, RSE, assemblies, circle time and science.

Some simple ways parents can support PSHE at home are:

  • Encourage your child to dress and undress independently and manage their own hygiene. They could be encouraged to brush their teeth twice a day without being told to, or wash their hands before a meal.
  • Create a role-play area that has materials and plays things to reflect your child's interests. Whether they're in to role-playing as a doctor or a hair stylist, make sure their interests are met. This encourages them to explore their interests, and can lead to conversations about what they would like to be when they grow up.
  • Encourage your child to help you plan and cook healthy recipes. Often the best way to encourage healthy eating with your child is by setting an example and to have open conversations about making healthy choices. You could write up a shopping list together before going to do your food shop, discussing your food and ingredients choices with them. This involves them in decision-making, and gets them thinking about making healthy choices about food.
  • Make time for simple activities such as board games, which help to encourage teamwork and learning to take turns. Playing games with other children can lead to increased social awareness, and learning social cues.
  • With older children, you can use documentaries and other media to discuss issues around our place and responsibilities in society.
  • Give your child plenty of positive encouragement and praise to build self-esteem and confidence.When children misbehave, instead of reprimanding them, help them reflect on why their behaviour was wrong and think of how they could have handled the situation differently.
  • Encourage children to engage in healthy behaviours for their mind and body, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation and positive affirmations. You could make time each evening to say positive affirmations together or do a meditation, either following a guided video or playing some calming music and sitting quietly together.