RPSHE at Diamond Wood

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we recognise the importance of a strong RPSHE (Relationships, Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education) curriculum. Personal Development is central to our whole-school curriculum and underpins everything we do. We stand by our strapline of teaching and supporting children ‘To be the best version of me I can be’.

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, PSHE and statutory RHSE are taught from Nursery through to Year 2 and form a vital part of our curriculum. These subjects support children to build healthy relationships, understand their emotions, develop positive attitudes to physical health and learn how to make safe, informed choices in an age-appropriate way.

Our RPSHE curriculum is delivered through the ‘One Life’ programme designed by Kelly Wood, which is built around the principles of Physical Fitness, Social Fitness and Mental Fitness. Children take part in weekly planned RPSHE lessons, alongside daily One Life practices that are embedded into school life, including Meet and Greet, Mindful Moments and Talk It Out.

Each Friday, children are given time to reflect on real-life experiences, discussing what has happened during the week, how they have managed situations and how they might approach them differently in the future. This reflective approach helps children develop resilience, self-awareness and the skills needed to support their wellbeing and learning.

Click here to read our full RPSHE Vision and Intent statement.

What is RPHSE? 

RPHSE (Relationships, Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education) is an important part of our curriculum at Diamond Wood Community Academy. It supports children to understand themselves, build positive relationships, stay safe and develop healthy habits in ways that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

What is taught?

In line with national guidance, our RPHSE curriculum is organised into three main areas:

• Health and Wellbeing

• Relationships

• Living in the Wider World

RPHSE is taught in half-termly units of work, allowing children time to explore key themes in depth and revisit important ideas as they grow.

From Nursery to Year 2, children learn about:

• Feelings, emotions and wellbeing

• Friendships, families and caring relationships

• Kindness, respect and celebrating differences

• Keeping safe, including personal safety and online safety

• Understanding their bodies and using the correct names for body parts

• Boundaries, privacy and knowing how to seek help

• Healthy lifestyles, including physical activity and self-care

All learning is age-appropriate and delivered in a sensitive and supportive way.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

The Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education (England) Regulations 2019 make Relationships Education compulsory in all primary schools, and Health Education compulsory in all schools.

Sex education is not taught at Diamond Wood Community Academy. As an infant school, we do not teach sexual relationships, reproduction or puberty. Instead, we focus on statutory Relationships and Health Education, including learning about friendships, families, feelings, personal safety and understanding our bodies. Teaching children the correct names for body parts supports safeguarding and helps children communicate clearly and confidently.

Why RPHSE is important?

RPHSE helps children develop confidence, resilience and self-awareness. It supports children to build positive relationships, manage their emotions and make safe choices, which in turn supports their wellbeing and readiness to learn.

This website page provides parents and carers with an overview of the RPHSE learning planned for each year group, showing what children are taught and why it is appropriate for their age.

If you have any questions or would like to view examples of the resources and teaching materials we use, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

If you would like to read the statutory guidance in full, please click here.

Curriculum Design: PHSE Association and the One Life Programme

As a school we have subscribed to the PHSE Association. They are the national body for PSHE education. They are an accredited membership association and charity that support schools with resources, training, guidance and advice. All staff members are able to access their website for support themselves.

To access the PHSE Association click here. 

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we use the One Life programme, created by Kelly Wood, to deliver our PSHE and statutory RHSE curriculum. One Life provides a carefully structured and age-appropriate framework that supports children’s mental, social and physical wellbeing, while meeting all statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education and aligning with the PSHE Association Programme of Study.

The programme is designed to support both weekly planned lessons and daily whole-school practices, helping children to develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships in meaningful, practical ways. Learning is organised into half-termly units and adapted where necessary to reflect the needs of our children and the context of our school. Pupil voice is valued and used to inform planning so that learning is relevant and engaging.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, learning is closely linked to play, routines and real-life experiences. Learning is delivered through a balance of child-initiated activities, adult-led sessions and daily practices that help children build independence, communication skills and emotional awareness. These early experiences provide strong foundations for RPSHE learning as children move into Key Stage 1.

To find out more about our rationale for using One Life please click here. 

Our RPSHE Long Term Plan

Substantive and Disciplinary Concepts

RPSHE Progression Maps

Our RPSHE curriculum progression maps are provided by the One Life framework created by Kelly Wood. They show how pupils develop their knowledge, understanding and vocabulary so they know more, remember more and can apply their learning meaningfully during their time at Diamond Wood Community Academy.

The progression overviews span Early Years to Year 6. As an infant school, we deliver RPSHE from Nursery to Year 2 only. The full overview is used as one document to ensure transparency and to support continuity as pupils move on to the junior phase.

Each half term, additional learning objectives, guidance and resources are released by the programme creator, alongside training for teachers focused on both the content and how lessons should be delivered. This ensures staff are confident and consistent in their approach.

The progression map supports staff and stakeholders in understanding end-of-year expectations and how learning builds over time. High-quality lesson guidance and resources are available to all adults delivering RPSHE, supporting consistency and ongoing professional development.

To view our RPSHE curriculum progression maps, please contact school via the office email address or by calling 01924 325308.

Key Vocabulary

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we recognise the important role that vocabulary plays in supporting children’s understanding, communication and confidence within RPSHE. Developing and using appropriate language helps children to talk about feelings, relationships, safety and wellbeing clearly and accurately.

Key vocabulary in RPSHE is carefully selected and introduced progressively from Nursery to Year 2. Children are taught and encouraged to use age-appropriate, subject-specific language, including correct terminology for emotions, relationships, health and body parts. This supports safeguarding, emotional literacy and effective communication.

Vocabulary is explicitly taught, modelled and revisited across lessons and daily practice, enabling children to deepen their understanding over time. Teachers use discussion, stories and reflection opportunities to reinforce vocabulary and support children in applying new words in meaningful, real-life contexts.

By developing a strong foundation in RPSHE vocabulary, we aim to:

• support children to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences clearly

• build confidence when discussing sensitive or important topics

• strengthen understanding of key RPSHE concepts

• support progression into the next stage of learning

Information about the key vocabulary taught in RPSHE is available on request. Please contact the school office if you would like further details.

Support for Language Development

Key Text Spine

Reading plays an important role in our RPSHE curriculum. The One Life programme is deliberately story-led, with a carefully selected key text spine created by the programme creator, Kelly Wood, to support children’s understanding of themes such as feelings, relationships, wellbeing and safety.

These high-quality texts are used within RPSHE lessons to introduce key ideas, support discussion and help children make sense of learning in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Texts may be shared as part of a planned unit of work or revisited during storytime to reinforce key messages and vocabulary.

Each classroom has a dedicated reading area where a range of texts are accessible to children, providing regular opportunities to engage with stories that support RPSHE learning. This approach helps children to make connections between stories and their own experiences, while also supporting oracy, vocabulary development and emotional understanding.

Through the use of a story-led approach, we aim to foster a love of reading, support meaningful discussion and ensure that RPSHE learning is engaging, memorable and accessible for all children.

Information about the RPSHE key text spine is available on request. Please contact the school office if you would like further details.

Developing SMSC within our RPSHE Curriculum

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we believe that SMSC development underpins our pupils' overall well-being and happiness. Our RPSHE curriculum promotes the following aspects:

Spiritual Development

• Encouraging pupils to explore their own beliefs, values, and creativity through various activities such as storytelling, mindfulness exercises, and reflective discussions.
• Providing opportunities for pupils to appreciate the natural and human wonders of the world, fostering a sense of awe and wonder.

Moral Development

• Developing an understanding of right and wrong, and promoting the values of friendship, respect, honesty, cooperation and responsibility.
• Encouraging students to consider the consequences of their actions and make informed decisions.

Social Development

• Teaching skills necessary for effective social interaction, such as listening, communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
• Promoting a sense of belonging and inclusivity, where students respect and appreciate the diversity within our school community.

Cultural Development

• Celebrating different cultures, religions, and traditions through festivals, food, and creative arts.
• Promoting mutual respect and understanding of different cultural backgrounds 

Developing the Protected Characteristics within our

RPSHE Curriculum

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment. Our RPSHE curriculum promotes the understanding and appreciation of the protected characteristics through the following approaches:

• Incorporating stories, discussions, and activities that challenge stereotypes and promote positive attitudes towards all protected characteristics.
• Embedding equality and diversity throughout the curriculum, ensuring fair representation and the use of inclusive language and resources.
• Promoting respectful behaviour and encouraging pupils to challenge discrimination and report any incidents appropriately.

Developing British Values within our RPSHE Curriculum

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we believe in instilling our pupils with a firm understanding and appreciation of British values. Our RPSHE curriculum promotes the following approaches to developing British values:

• Encouraging pupils to understand and participate in democratic processes, such as class decision-making and voting.
• Teaching the importance of the rule of law and its role in maintaining a fair society, both within the school and wider community.
• Promoting individual liberty and personal responsibility, ensuring pupils understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Fostering an environment of mutual respect and tolerance, providing opportunities for pupils to appreciate and celebrate different faiths, beliefs, and cultures.

Daily Meet and Greet

As part of our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive school environment, we take part in the One Life Meet and Greet each morning and afternoon.

During this time, children are greeted by familiar staff in a way that feels comfortable and appropriate for them. The Safe Touch poster, shared below, allows children to clearly show how they would like to be greeted, whether that is a wave, a high five, a fist bump or simply a smile. This empowers pupils to make choices, respect boundaries and feel safe.

The One Life Meet and Greet provides a calm and settled start to the day and supports a positive end to the afternoon. Most importantly, it helps to strengthen the connection between pupils and staff, ensuring every child feels seen, valued and ready to learn.

Online Safety

Here at Diamond Wood Community Academy, we understand that schools have a dual responsibility when it comes to online safety:

• To ensure that our online procedures keep children and young people safe.
• To teach them about online safety, in and outside of school.

Click here to be redirected to our Safeguarding page in the 'Key Information' section of this website.

How is online safety taught at our school?

Online Safety is covered in all three aspects of our RPSHE curriculum which focuses on the following key concepts:

• Relationships
• Health and Wellbeing
• Living in the Wider World 

In addition to our RPSHE Curriculum, we teach online safety through our Computing Curriculum.

Click here to be redirected to our Computing Curriculum page.

To view our Online Safety Curriculum Overview, please contact the school office. This document brings together how online safety is taught and reinforced across the curriculum, including within RPSHE lessons, Computing lessons and through wider learning opportunities and enrichment activities.

Our Online Safety Rules Poster is introduced to all pupils in school and provides a visual reminder of ways to keep safe. 

Click here to download a copy of it.

Further Support for Parents and Carers

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we value the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers to support children’s RPSHE learning. As a parent or carer, you are your child’s first educator and play a vital role in their personal, social and emotional development.

Our RPSHE curriculum is delivered through the One Life programme, which you may recognise through daily practices such as Meet and Greet, reflection time and other routines used across the school. If you would like to know more about the One Life content, themes or approaches, please speak to us. We are always happy to explain and share more.

Many of the topics covered in RPSHE are things you may already talk about at home, such as friendships, feelings, safety and wellbeing. These conversations often arise naturally during everyday activities, such as playing together, cooking, watching television or discussing events in the news. At other times, you may choose to start a conversation about something you feel is important for your child.

The principles we follow when teaching RPSHE in school can also be helpful when supporting your child’s learning at home.

When starting a conversation, it can be useful to use a carefully chosen stimulus, such as a story, film, scenario or discussion prompt. Any stimulus should be selected thoughtfully and should:

• avoid graphic, frightening or upsetting content

• avoid focusing on extreme or unlikely situations

• avoid unintentionally promoting unsafe or unhealthy behaviours

• avoid encouraging unsupervised online searching

Instead, suitable stimuli should:

• promote positive messages about staying healthy, safe and well

• be accurate, balanced and taken from reliable sources

• reflect modern society and help challenge stereotypes

By working together, we can ensure children receive consistent messages and feel confident, supported and safe when learning about their personal development both in school and at home.

Consulting with Key Stakeholders

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we recognise the importance of working openly and collaboratively with all key stakeholders when developing and delivering our RPSHE curriculum. Before implementing our revised RPSHE curriculum, we ensured that stakeholders were fully informed and had opportunities to ask questions, share views and access information.

Consultation has taken place in a range of ways, including:

• Questionnaires to gather feedback and views

• Parent meetings to share information and explain curriculum content and approaches

• Discussions during parents’ evenings, where requested

• Individual conversations with stakeholders, arranged on request

• Sharing examples of resources and materials used to support teaching and learning

This consultation process is ongoing, and with the introduction of the One Life programme, we will continue to engage with parents and carers through these methods to ensure transparency, understanding and partnership.

We are committed to being open, supportive and responsive, and we encourage parents and carers to speak to us at any time if they would like more information, clarification or support regarding our RPSHE curriculum.

Useful Websites

Parent Zone is a parenting organisation working to make the online world a safer, more positive place for families and children.

https://parentzone.org.uk/

Place2Be is a pioneer in early intervention. They help schools, parents and carers to understand and identify mental health problems, enable children and young people to focus on learning and give them tools to cope with challenges throughout their lives. 

https://www.place2be.org.uk/

The NSPCC is the UK's leading children's charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover. 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Childnet is a UK-based charity who empower children, young people, and those who support them in their online lives, and its mission is to work with others to make the internet a great and safe place for children and young people.

https://www.childnet.com/

If you would like to know any more information about our RPSHE Curriculum here at

Diamond Wood please do not hesitate to get in touch.