Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE)
Protected Characteristics
It is important that all children gain an understanding of the world they are growing up in, and learn how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people.
The Equality Act 2010, identifies the ‘protected characteristics’ as:
• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy and maternity
• race
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation
At Thornton Primary School, we pride ourselves on having a well-considered approach to the teaching of the protected characteristics.
The plan below shows how the protected characteristics are embedded into our curriculum. It is planned and delivered so that pupils develop age appropriate knowledge and understanding during their time at our school.
PSHE at Our School
At our school, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is an essential part of the curriculum, supporting children’s personal development and wellbeing. We use the highly regarded Cambridgeshire Primary Personal Development Programme, a comprehensive and progressive scheme designed to meet the needs of all pupils from Reception to Year 6. This programme is built around key strands such as Myself and My Relationships, Healthy and Safer Lifestyles, Citizenship, and Economic Wellbeing, helping children to explore topics such as managing emotions, making safe and healthy choices, respecting others and understanding the world around them.
The curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that each year group builds on previous learning, with opportunities for discussion, reflection and practical activities. Enrichment units address important current issues like body image, online safety and anti-bullying, ensuring pupils are equipped to navigate modern challenges with confidence and resilience.
Our PSHE curriculum is more than just classroom lessons—it supports a whole-school approach to wellbeing and personal development. We also use specialist toolkits for areas such as Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), drug education and healthy eating, helping us to work in partnership with families and the wider community. Through PSHE, we aim to nurture kind, respectful and responsible young people who are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of today’s world.
PSHE Intent, Implementation and Impact
PSHE Curriculum Overview
Speak Out. Stay Safe - NSPCC Assembly
This term, children across school took part in the Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly from NSPCC. There were lots of wonderful suggestions from the children about how to stay safe. Great work!
Thornton Primary School Participation Certificate 2024
NSPCC Resources
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
Our RSHE curriculum supports children to develop the knowledge and skills they need to build healthy relationships, stay safe and make informed choices. Following the updated Department for Education statutory guidance, which came into effect in September 2026, we have reviewed and updated our RSHE policy and curriculum.
Our teaching helps children to:
- develop healthy and respectful friendships and relationships;
- understand personal boundaries and respect the boundaries of others;
- communicate their feelings and know when and how to seek help;
- understand how to keep themselves safe, including online;
- learn about their bodies, growing and changing in an age-appropriate way;
- recognise inappropriate or unsafe behaviour;
- understand and respect that families and relationships can be different.
All teaching is age-appropriate, carefully planned and delivered sensitively, taking account of the needs and development of our pupils. Our RSHE policy provides a full overview of the content taught across each year group and can be found on the policy section of the school website. Parents and carers can also contact the school office if they would like further information about the resources and materials used.
