Nurturing children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development is of paramount importance in EYFS. As they start school, children are taught about routines and organisation. They are supported in making friends, developing self-confidence and their social and behavioural skills. Children are encouraged to operate independently and effectively within the setting, including accessing ongoing provision. They discuss getting on and falling out and bullying. In the Foundation Stage, children learn to work and play co-operatively. With confidence and developing social skills they can explain their own knowledge and understanding. Their personal development discussions introduce the idea of goals. Children also think about what makes them unique and talk about their relationships.

By Year 2, Children know how to describe and share a range of feelings. They discuss ways to feel good, calm down or change their mood e.g. playing outside, listening to music, spending time with others. They learn how to manage big feelings including those associated with change, loss and bereavement. They also recognise when and how to ask for help, and how to help others, with their feelings. Furthering their understanding of relationships, Year 2s look at making friends and what it means to feel lonely. They recognise things they have in common and their differences. Children discuss playing and working cooperatively and sharing opinions. They think about different rights and responsibilities that they have in school and the wider community. As children become more aware of online content, they are taught to be respectful on the internet and to appreciate that information online might not always be true. Building on their understanding of safe relationships, Year 2s discuss managing secrets, resisting pressure, and recognising hurtful behaviour. They begin to think about money and how people make choices about spending money, including thinking about needs and wants. Teaching our children to stay safe is an important part of the PD curriculum. Year 2 children understand safety in different environments, risk and safety at home and emergencies. The class also discusses naming body parts and growing older. They are prepared for moving up to Key Stage 2 with a transition unit.

Deepening their understanding of their own wellbeing, children in Year 4 think about the link between participating in interests, hobbies and community groups and mental wellbeing. They discuss maintaining a balanced lifestyle physically and mentally. Linked to their science work, Year 4 think about oral hygiene and dental care. Children learn about the features of positive healthy friendships such as mutual respect, trust and sharing interests. They know the importance of respecting the differences and similarities between people. In their e-safety curriculum, Year 4s are taught how data is shared and used, for example in advertising. They discuss responding to hurtful behaviour, managing confidentiality and recognising risks online. Building on their discussions in Year 3, Year 4s talk about making decisions about money including keeping money safe. They also ask what makes a community and consider shared responsibilities. Children in Year 4 know how to stay safe around medicines and household products and begin to think about drugs common to everyday life. They discuss their personal identity, recognising individuality and different qualities. They think about changes before puberty.

In Year 6, children discuss what affects mental health and learn ways to take care of it. They spend time thinking about managing change, loss and bereavement and grief. Children discuss the importance of responding respectfully to a wide range of people. They value diversity and understand how to recognise and challenge discrimination and stereotypes. Year 6 pupils further their understanding of money by considering attitudes to money and financial risks. Safety is further explored, for example keeping personal information safe and drug use and the law. When learning about e-safety, children discuss social media. They understand the issues surrounding sharing things online, including rules and laws relating to this. Safe and healthy relationships are explored further as children discuss how to recognise and manage pressure. They learn about permission and consent in different situations. They will also think more about families. The Year 6 class will discuss attraction to others, romantic relationships, civil partnership, and marriage. A school nurse will help Year 6 pupils learn about human reproduction and birth.