PSHE

At Darrick Wood Infant & Nursery School, our vision is for every child to develop a strong sense of self, emotional awareness and confidence. We aim to support children in recognising and naming a wide range of feelings, and in expressing them in ways that are respectful, safe and empowering.

We encourage children to understand how their actions and choices can affect others, while also recognising that people may think, feel and behave differently based on their own perspectives and experiences. Through this, we nurture empathy, respect and a celebration of diversity.

We strive to equip children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy, informed choices throughout their lives, including the confidence to say no to things that may cause harm. We want our pupils to take thoughtful risks in their learning, to be curious and independent, and to know how to stay safe in school, at home and within their wider community.

Our vision aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—such as Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)—ensuring that children grow as compassionate, confident and active global citizens.

Our PSHE curriculum is carefully reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that our provision remains relevant, inclusive, and high-quality. The programme is organised into three core themes:

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

Through these themes, we aim to support children in developing:

• accurate, inclusive and relevant knowledge
• opportunities to build personal understanding and self-awareness
• space to explore and respectfully challenge a range of values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities
• a broad set of skills and strategies that enable them to lead healthy, safe, fulfilling and balanced lives

Our PSHE curriculum recognises and respects the diverse identities, perspectives and experiences within our school community and beyond. It supports pupils in developing a strong sense of self, an understanding of the interconnected world they live in, and the confidence to communicate their feelings and views.

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those linked to health and wellbeing (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16)—our curriculum encourages children to value themselves and others, build positive relationships, appreciate diversity, and act with fairness and responsibility.

By nurturing critical thinking, empathy and global citizenship, we prepare pupils to make sense of their experiences both within school and in the wider world, and to contribute positively to their communities now and in the future.