At Fern House School, we believe that high-quality Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), is fundamental to our pupils' holistic development, well-being, and future success. It provides the essential knowledge, understanding, and skills pupils need to navigate the complexities of life, thrive as individuals, and contribute positively to society.

To ensure the highest standards of delivery and a comprehensive, age-appropriate curriculum, Fern House School proudly implements The PSHE Association's Programme of Study across all age groups, from 5 to 16 years old.

Why The PSHE Association Scheme of Work?

The PSHE Association is the national body for PSHE education, and their scheme of work is widely recognised for its rigour, relevance, and responsiveness to pupils' needs. For our pupils at Fern House, this framework is particularly beneficial because it offers:

• Structured and Progressive Learning: The scheme provides a clear, spiral curriculum, meaning key concepts are revisited and built upon year after year, ensuring deep understanding and sustained learning as pupils mature.
• Age-Appropriate Content: Content is carefully designed to be sensitive and relevant to the developmental stage of each age group, from primary foundations to secondary complexities.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It addresses a wide range of vital topics, including emotional well-being, physical health, healthy relationships, online safety, economic understanding, and citizenship.
• Focus on Skills and Attributes: Beyond knowledge, the scheme actively develops crucial life skills such as communication, decision-making, resilience, and empathy – all vital for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Evidence-Based Practice: The resources are informed by best practice and current research, ensuring that our teaching is effective and impactful.

Delivering High-Quality PSHE and RSE at Fern House (Ages 5-16):

Our dedicated team at Fern House adapts and delivers The PSHE Association's framework with sensitivity and expertise, tailoring it to the unique needs of our SEMH pupils. Across all key stages, our PSHE and RSE lessons:

• Prioritise Emotional Well-being: We create a safe and supportive environment where pupils can explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and understand mental health.
• Build Healthy Relationships: Pupils learn about respectful relationships with family, friends, and others, fostering positive social interactions and understanding boundaries.
• Promote Safety and Responsibility: We equip pupils with the knowledge to stay safe online and offline, make informed choices, and understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Foster Critical Thinking: Through discussions and activities, pupils are encouraged to think critically about real-life issues, develop their own values, and respect diverse perspectives.
• Integrate with School Ethos: PSHE and RSE principles are not confined to lessons; they permeate our school day, reinforcing positive behaviours, social skills, and a supportive school culture.

By utilising The PSHE Association scheme of work, Fern House School ensures that our pupils receive a robust and empowering PSHE and RSE education, preparing them to lead healthy, happy, and responsible lives both within our school community and as they transition into adulthood.