PHSE
At Whiston Worrygoose Primary, we follow the Jigsaw scheme to deliver PSHE. Jigsaw brings together PSHE Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning. It is a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time.
With the Jigsaw approach, mindfulness is developed through the ‘Calm Me’ time in each piece (lesson). This consists of breathing techniques, awareness exercises and visualisations. Mindfulness is a vital tool for life: not only does it support the regulation of emotion and build emotional resilience but also enhances focus and concentration; both helping to optimise learning for our children!
There are six Puzzles in Jigsaw that are designed to progress in sequence from September to July:
- Being Me in My World
- Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying)
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me (including Sex Education)
Each Piece has two Learning Intentions: one is based on specific PSHE learning (covering the national framework for PSHE Education but enhanced to address children’s needs today); and one is based on emotional literacy and social skills . The enhancements mean that Jigsaw is relevant to children living in today’s world as it helps them understand and be equipped to cope with issues like body image, cyber and homophobic bullying and internet safety.
Jigsaw was written with the genuine belief that if attention is paid to supporting children’s personal development in a structured and developmentally appropriate way, this will not only improve their capacity to learn (across the curriculum) but will ultimately improve their life chances.
Lessons are structured in a very supportive, child-focused and innovative way. Each 'piece' or lesson is structured as follows:
- Connect us – This section is designed to maximise social skills, to engender positive relationships and enhance collaborative learning.
- Calm me - This section aims to still the children’s minds, relaxing them and quietening their emotions to a place of optimum learning capacity. This will also engender a peaceful atmosphere within the classroom. It is an invaluable life skill which also enhances reflection and spiritual development.
- Tell me or show me - This section is used to introduce new information, concepts and skills, using a range of teaching approaches and activities.
- Let me learn - Following Piaget’s learning model, after receiving new information/concepts, children need to manipulate, use, and play with that new information in order for it to make sense to them and for them to ‘accommodate’ it into their existing learning.
- Help me reflect -Throughout Jigsaw, children are encouraged to reflect on their learning experiences and their progress. By reflecting, children can process and evaluate what they have learnt, which enables them to consolidate and apply their learning.
Here you can view and download the curriculum overviews for each year group:
INTENT
The Jigsaw PSHE curriculum is designed to equip all pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, and independent lives. It aims to help children develop emotional literacy, resilience, and empathy, preparing them to make informed choices and build positive relationships. Jigsaw places the development of the whole child at its core, integrating mindfulness to support emotional regulation and wellbeing. The curriculum promotes an inclusive and respectful school culture, celebrating difference and fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth so that every pupil can flourish as an individual and as part of their community.
IMPLEMENTATION
Jigsaw is delivered through a whole-school, progressive programme built around six thematic units, known as Puzzles, which all classes study simultaneously each half-term. Each Puzzle consists of sequenced lessons that build upon prior learning, using stories, discussion, reflection, and collaborative activities to engage pupils at an age-appropriate level. Lessons begin with a mindfulness practice to help pupils focus, regulate emotions, and be ready to learn. Teachers use the Jigsaw materials flexibly to respond to pupils’ needs while ensuring coverage of statutory PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) requirements. The shared, consistent structure ensures continuity and a clear sense of progression from Early Years through to Year 6.
IMPACT
The impact of the Jigsaw curriculum is evident in the way pupils demonstrate empathy, self-awareness, and respect for others. Children develop the confidence to express their feelings, manage challenges, and make responsible decisions. They build strong, positive relationships and show understanding of diversity and inclusion within their community. Through regular reflection and mindfulness, pupils become more self-regulated and resilient learners. Monitoring through pupil voice, lesson observations, and wellbeing surveys shows that Jigsaw contributes positively to pupils’ personal development, behaviour, and attitudes, helping them to thrive both within and beyond the school environment.
RELATIONSHIPS AND HEALTH EDUCATION
We want all children to grow up healthy, happy, safe, and able to manage the challenges and opportunities of modern Britain. All primary age children are taught Relationships and Health Education.
These subjects are designed to equip your child with knowledge to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships as well as preparing them for a successful adult life.
At Whiston Worrygoose we utilise the RSE content from the Jigsaw PSHE curriuclum deloivering th4e content in a flexible way that is age and developmentally appropriate and sensitive to the needs and religious background of our pupils.
Relationships Education
Relationships Education will put in place the building blocks needed for positive and safe relationships, including with family, friends and online. Your child will be taught what a relationship is, what friendship is, what family means and who can support them. In an age-appropriate way, we cover how to treat each other with kindness, consideration and respect.
By the end of primary school, pupils will have been taught content on:
• families and people who care for me
• caring friendships
• respectful relationships
• online relationships
• being safe
Health Education
Health Education aims to give your child the information they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing, to recognise issues in themselves and others, and to seek support as early as possible when issues arise
By the end of primary school, pupils will have been taught content on:
• mental wellbeing
• internet safety and harms
• physical health and fitness
• healthy eating
• facts and risks associated with drugs,
alcohol and tobacco
• health and prevention
• basic first aid
• changing adolescent body
