Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

At Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service (HPRS), Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) promotes safe, respectful, equal, caring and healthy relationships. Our curriculum addresses real-life issues appropriate to pupils' age, stage of development and individual needs, including:

• Friendships and healthy relationships
• Different family structures
• Consent and personal boundaries
• Respect and equality
• Relationship abuse and exploitation
• Online safety and digital relationships
• Physical and mental health and wellbeing

We believe that all pupils should receive high-quality Relationships and Health Education that helps them understand themselves, others and the world around them, enabling them to make informed and responsible decisions.

Parental Right to Withdraw

Parents/carers cannot withdraw their child from the statutory Relationships Education or Health Education elements of the curriculum.

Parents/carers may request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of the non-statutory sex education elements delivered as part of RSE up to three terms before the child turns 16 years old. After this point, the pupil has the right to decide for themselves whether they wish to receive sex education.

Where a pupil is withdrawn from sex education lessons, appropriate alternative educational activities will be provided under the supervision of a member of staff.

Intent

At HPRS, we are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience that supports pupils' academic achievement, personal development and future success.

Our PSHE and RSE curriculum forms an integral part of our wider school ethos and contributes to developing confident, resilient and responsible young people. PSHE and RSE are delivered through dedicated lessons, cross-curricular opportunities, tutor time activities, educational visits and contributions from external visitors and specialists where appropriate.

Our aim is to provide a cohesive and inclusive whole-school approach that enables pupils to:

• Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for life now and in the future.
• Build positive relationships and understand how to maintain them.
• Make informed decisions about their health, safety and wellbeing.
• Recognise and manage risks both online and offline.
• Develop resilience, self-confidence, self-esteem and empathy.
• Become active and responsible members of their communities.
• Understand their rights, responsibilities and the values that underpin modern British society.

We ensure that teaching and learning are accessible to all pupils and adapted to meet individual needs. Through PSHE and RSE, we strive to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to protect and enhance their wellbeing throughout their lives.

Implementation

At HPRS, PSHE and RSE are delivered through regular timetabled lessons and reinforced through daily interactions, tutor activities and wider school experiences.

Pupils are encouraged to explore topical issues, discuss different viewpoints and develop critical thinking skills through structured discussions, debates and current affairs activities. These opportunities support pupils' understanding of:

• Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development
• British Values
• Citizenship
• Health and wellbeing
• Personal safety
• Economic wellbeing and financial education

Our curriculum is planned using high-quality resources and guidance from recognised organisations, including the PSHE Association, ensuring full coverage of statutory Relationships and Health Education requirements.

The curriculum is organised around the three core themes identified by the PSHE Association:

Health and Wellbeing

Supporting pupils to understand physical health, mental wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, emotional resilience and strategies for keeping safe.

Relationships

Helping pupils develop positive, respectful relationships and understand consent, respect, diversity, family life and online relationships.

Living in the Wider World

Enabling pupils to understand their role in society, financial education, careers, citizenship, economic wellbeing and future aspirations.

Learning activities are adapted to ensure they are relevant, engaging and accessible for all pupils, including those with additional needs or barriers to learning.

Impact

The PSHE and RSE curriculum at HPRS aims to have a lasting positive impact on pupils' personal development, wellbeing and readiness for adulthood.

Through our curriculum, pupils will:

• Develop the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe and healthy.
• Build positive and respectful relationships.
• Increase their confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
• Understand and demonstrate British Values, including:
  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect
  • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
• Make informed choices and manage risks effectively.
• Become responsible, active and informed citizens.

Teachers assess pupils' understanding through discussion, observation, reflection activities and work completed during lessons. Assessment information is used to identify areas requiring further support and to ensure key concepts are revisited where necessary.

At HPRS, we recognise that our curriculum must reflect the needs of our pupils and the local community. We continually review and adapt our provision to ensure pupils receive relevant, meaningful learning that prepares them for life beyond school.

By the time pupils leave HPRS, we aim for them to have developed the confidence, vocabulary and understanding necessary to communicate effectively, seek support when needed and make positive contributions to their communities and society as a whole.