Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) has always been an integral part of our school curriculum. Children who have confidence in themselves, respect others and who are able to work co-operatively, quickly develop learning skills and make good progress. We want our children to be healthy, responsible and participating members of society and we aim to create an environment for this to happen. The SEAL programme (Social and Emotional Apects of Learning) is the structured framework used to deliver the curriculum.

Throughout the school, children are taught about relationships and family life, taking into account that not all families are the same. Mostly this work is undertaken in PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).

At Key Stage 2 children follow the science curriculum where sexual reproduction is covered in the programmes of study, though this is not taught with specific reference to human reproduction. In Year 5, the school nurse undertakes a puberty programme with the girls referring directly to bodily changes, emotional well being and period management. This work is followed up in Year 6 when boys and girls have separate talks and a session together when they are encouraged to ask questions. Throughout their years at Richard Taylor, children’s questions are answered sympathetically in an age appropriate way. By parental request, children can be withdrawn from any sex and relationships education.

We value highly the partnership we have with parents and recognize the importance of the support they give to their child with home learning. Any work we give will be to reinforce or extend what is learned at school and will be appropriate for the ability, age and maturity of your child.