Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (Including Relationships and Sex Education) 

Statutory Relationships and Health Education

In line with government requirements, Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory in all primary schools in England. These areas are taught as part of our PSHE curriculum.

Sex Education is non-statutory at primary level (beyond the requirements of the science curriculum). At Palmarsh Primary School, parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from the non-statutory sex education content only.

Through our PSHE Education curriculum at Palmarsh we aim to provide pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and to prepare them for life and work in modern Britain. 

What does PSHE cover at Palmarsh Primary School?

Our PSHE curriculum supports pupils’ personal development, wellbeing and safety. Through weekly lessons and wider school life, children learn about:

• Healthy and respectful relationships

• Friendships, families and diversity

• Keeping safe, both online and offline

• Mental wellbeing and emotional literacy

• Physical health and healthy lifestyles

• Managing change, including growing up and puberty (age-appropriate)

Teaching is carefully planned to be age-appropriate and inclusive, and is delivered through the Jigsaw PSHE program.

Parent right to withdraw

Parents do not have the right to withdraw their child from Relationships Education or Health Education, as these are statutory subjects.

Parents may request that their child is withdrawn from non-statutory sex education content. Any request should be made in writing to the Headteacher, and a meeting will be offered to discuss the request before any decision is made.

Please see the Jigsaw Information Leaflet below for more information on our PSHE Curriculum. 

Below you will find a copy of our PSHE Policy which should be read alongside the Jigsaw RHSE guide for parents  and the LGBTQ Parent Leaflet both of which are attached below. 

You will also find links below to the DFE guidance on Relationships and Sex Education and Frequently Asked Questions.

Parents who have questions about PSHE, Relationships Education or Sex Education are encouraged to contact the school to discuss any concerns on 01303 260212 or headteacher@palmarsh.kent.sch.uk.

External links to Department for Education guidance

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered in line with national guidance and reflects the needs of our school community. Further information about statutory requirements can be found in the Department for Education guidance linked below.