In line with the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance 2026 issued by the Department for Education, we provide a carefully planned RSHE curriculum at Stretton St Matthew’s Primary School. Our provision also reflects diocesan guidance and our Christian vision and values.

RSHE is a statutory part of the primary curriculum and supports children in understanding the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up. This includes learning about healthy relationships, personal wellbeing and how to keep themselves safe. Our teaching is rooted in Christian values, promoting dignity, respect and care for oneself and others in all contexts.

Our curriculum fully reflects the expectations of the 2026 statutory guidance, with a strong focus on:

• developing respectful relationships and understanding different types of families
• promoting online safety, including privacy, consent and managing online risks
• teaching correct anatomical vocabulary to support safeguarding and communication
• helping children understand personal safety in a range of everyday situations
• supporting emotional wellbeing, including change, loss and managing feelings
• building confidence to communicate boundaries and seek help when needed

To support the teaching of RSHE, we use resources from the PSHE Association, which we carefully adapt to meet the specific needs of our pupils and reflect the context, values and ethos of our school.

We aim for all children to grow up healthy, happy and safe, equipped with the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed choices about their wellbeing, relationships and future lives.

RSHE is taught through a whole-school approach, ensuring consistent messages across all areas of school life. It is delivered through:

• our PSHE curriculum
• Science, particularly units on growth and development
• planned learning opportunities and responsive discussions, where questions are handled sensitively and appropriately for age and stage

Learning is carefully sequenced so that children receive accurate, age-appropriate information at the right time. We work closely with parents and carers, who are kept informed about the curriculum and its content.

In line with statutory requirements, sex education beyond the Science curriculum is not compulsory in primary schools. Parents retain the right to withdraw their child from any non-statutory elements of sex education if they choose.

By the end of their primary education, we aim for all pupils to be confident, informed and well-prepared for the next stage of their education, with a strong understanding of how to build positive, respectful relationships and keep themselves safe.