Our PSHE lead is Miss Bennett (Y5 Class Teacher)

Senior Mental Health lead accredited

PSHE at Eastcroft Park

At Eastcroft Park, we believe that PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) is at the heart of nurturing confident, resilient and responsible children.

Through PSHE, we deliver lessons that help pupils understand themselves, build positive relationships, and make informed choices for their wellbeing and future.

Our approach blends emotional literacy, mindfulness, and social skills in a child-friendly way that supports every pupil’s personal development.

As a result, children leave us with the knowledge, confidence and empathy to thrive in modern society—emotionally and socially prepared for the next stage of their lives.

PSHE Jigsaw is the mindful approach to PSHE and includes 6 half-termly 'puzzles' which encourage pupils to think deeply and reflect. Jigsaw promotes positive mental health, wellbeing and mindfulness.

Each year group completes the same 'puzzle' each half term, but the content of each puzzle is progressive and age appropriate.

We make PSHE lessons inclusive to all learners through:

• Personalised Support: Lessons are adapted to meet individual needs. For example: using visual aids, simplified language, and smaller group discussions to ensure understanding.

• Emotional Regulation: PSHE helps children with SEN, especially those with social, emotional, or communication needs, to develop self-awareness, resilience and strategies for managing emotions.

• Social Skills Development: PSHE Jigsaw lessons include activities such as role play, modelling, and structured peer interactions which can help to support children with ASD or other social difficulties in building relationships and understanding social cues.

• Consistency and Routine: The Jigsaw PSHE programme offers a consistent structure (e.g., every lesson includes Calm Me time and the Jigsaw Charter) that supports children who thrive on predictability and clear expectations.

Communication, Language and Vocabulary:

PSHE Jigsaw lessons are rich in discussion, storytelling and reflection, giving children frequent opportunities to practise speaking and listening in a safe and structured environment. New vocabulary—especially around emotions, relationships and the wider world—is explicitly taught and revisited, helping pupils articulate their thoughts and feelings with increasing confidence and clarity.

Aspirations:

Through the 'Dreams and Goals' unit and wider PSHE themes, children explore ambition, growth mindset, and future possibilities. They learn about setting goals, overcoming obstacles and recognising their own strengths, laying the foundation for high aspirations and a positive sense of self-worth.

Mental Health:

Wellbeing is woven throughout the Jigsaw curriculum. Each lesson includes a mindfulness component (Calm Me time) and encourages emotional literacy, resilience and coping strategies. Children learn to identify and manage their feelings, understand mental health as part of overall health, and know when and how to seek help. PSHE Jigsaw really underpins our school's work on emotional wellbeing and mental health. 

Cultural Capital:

Jigsaw exposes children to a broad range of life experiences, social contexts and moral dilemmas that build their understanding of the world beyond their immediate environment. It helps them develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to engage positively with society.

Tolerance and Diversity:

The scheme actively promotes British Values and celebrates difference. Children explore different types of family structures, cultures, religions, and identities, which encourages empathy, respect and inclusion. Through open discussion and diverse content, pupils learn to challenge stereotypes and value everyone’s unique contribution to the community.

In short, Jigsaw PSHE is a powerful tool for developing communication, self-awareness, ambition, and respect for others, equipping children with the emotional and social skills they need to thrive.

Please see the links below to find out more about Jigsaw, our progression maps, and how Jigsaw covers important units within PSHE!