RSE at Brockley Primary School

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) at Brockley Primary School

At Brockley Primary School, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported and valued. Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is an important part of helping our pupils develop healthy relationships, understand their emotions and wellbeing, and stay safe in an ever‑changing world.

RSHE is taught as part of our wider Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum and reflects our caring school ethos and strong partnership with families.

What is RSHE?

RSHE helps children learn about:

positive friendships and family relationships
respect for themselves and others
emotional and mental wellbeing
physical health and growing up
staying safe, including online safety

All teaching is age‑appropriate, carefully planned, and delivered in a calm, respectful and supportive environment.

What does Brockley teach?

RSHE is taught from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 6, following a carefully sequenced, progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and understanding over time.

✅ Statutory (required) education

All primary schools in England must teach:

Relationships Education
(friendships, families, respect, boundaries, staying safe)
Health Education
(mental wellbeing, physical health, puberty, online safety)

Parents and carers cannot withdraw children from these lessons, as they are required by law.

✅ Non‑statutory sex education

In Year 5 and Year 6, Brockley Primary School also teaches a small amount of non‑statutory sex education, which focuses on:

conception
pregnancy
birth

This learning:

uses correct scientific language
is taught sensitively and professionally
takes account of children’s age, maturity and understanding
takes place within a safe and supportive classroom environment

How are lessons taught?

RSHE lessons at Brockley are taught by familiar staff who know the children well.

Teachers:

create a safe space for discussion
set clear ground rules for respectful talk
use stories, scenarios and discussion prompts
encourage children to ask questions in an appropriate way

Our school is trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware, meaning staff are trained to respond sensitively and support children’s emotional needs.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) at Brockley Primary School is carefully planned to develop children’s understanding gradually as they grow. Learning builds year on year, helping children feel confident, informed and safe.

All content is taught in an age‑appropriate, sensitive and inclusive way.

Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery & Reception)

Children begin learning about relationships and wellbeing through everyday experiences and play.

Children will learn about:

recognising and naming feelings

forming friendships and taking turns

understanding kindness and sharing

knowing who helps and cares for them

basic self‑care (handwashing, rest, healthy routines)

Learning is woven naturally into stories, role‑play and daily routines.

Year 1

Children build awareness of themselves and others.

Children will learn about:

what makes a good friend

respecting others’ feelings

different types of families

recognising safe and unsafe situations

who they can talk to if they are worried

basic personal hygiene

Year 2

Children continue to develop emotional understanding and personal responsibility.

Children will learn about:

working through friendship problems

how words and actions affect others

keeping safe online and offline

healthy habits (food, exercise, sleep)

body ownership and personal boundaries

Year 3

Children begin to explore relationships and wellbeing in more depth.

Children will learn about:

positive and respectful friendships

recognising and responding to bullying

managing emotions and coping with change

personal space, privacy and consent

the importance of balanced lifestyles

Year 4

Children develop greater confidence in handling social situations.

Children will learn about:

respect for differences and diversity

identifying healthy and unhealthy behaviours

staying safe online, including gaming and messaging

how the body begins to change during puberty

strategies for managing worries and feelings

Year 5

Children are supported as they approach adolescence.

Children will learn about:

emotional and physical changes during puberty

understanding body changes in a positive way

maintaining personal hygiene during puberty

managing peer pressure

recognising trusted adults and seeking help

Non‑statutory sex education:

introduction to conception and pregnancy

taught sensitively using scientific language

Adults at home may request withdrawal from this non‑statutory element.

Year 6

Children consolidate learning and prepare for secondary school.

Children will learn about:

healthy relationships and mutual respect

managing friendships and conflict

mental wellbeing and coping strategies

staying safe online and offline

personal responsibility for health and wellbeing

Non‑statutory sex education:

understanding conception and birth in more detail

reinforcing correct scientific knowledge

This learning supports a confident and smooth transition to secondary school.

How this learning is taught

Across all year groups:

lessons are delivered by the Brockley Team

children learn within clear, respectful ground rules

questions are handled carefully and appropriately

a trauma‑informed, attachment‑aware approach is used

Working with Adults at home

We encourage open conversations at home and are always happy to talk with families about RSHE.

If you have any questions about what your child is learning, please speak to:

your child’s class teacher

a member of the senior leadership team

Where appropriate, RSHE themes are also reinforced through:

assemblies
wellbeing and pastoral support
wider school initiatives that promote kindness, respect and safety

Keeping children safe

RSHE plays an important role in safeguarding.

Through our curriculum, children learn:

that their body belongs to them
about personal boundaries and privacy
how to recognise when something doesn’t feel right
who they can talk to if they are worried or need help

If a child shares a concern, staff follow the school’s safeguarding procedures to make sure pupils are supported appropriately.

Working in partnership with parents and carers

We value open, trusting relationships with parents and carers and recognise that you are your child’s first educators.

Parents and carers are welcome to:

talk to staff about RSHE at any time
find information about what children learn on our website
discuss how learning in school can be supported at home

Right to withdraw

Parents and carers:

✖ cannot withdraw their child from
Relationships Education or Health Education
✔ can request to withdraw their child from the non‑statutory sex education lessons in Year 5 and Year 6

If you wish to do this, please contact the Headteacher. We will: