At Sandy Lane Primary School, we provide children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive, caring attitude towards others, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity of other cultures.

All curriculum areas contribute to a child’s social, mortal, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) development and opportunities for this are planned in each unit of work.   A particular emphasis on SMSC development, however, is included in Religious Education (RE) and Collective Worship, Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship, Art and Design, Music and Languages. 

All adults model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people as valuable individuals and showing respect for pupils and their families. The integrity and spirituality of other faith backgrounds are respected and explored.  Children learn to differentiate between right and wrong and to understand the consequences of their actions. They are encouraged to value themselves and others.  Children begin to understand their rights and responsibilities and the need to respect others. We are sensitive to the needs and backgrounds of all children and are careful not to reflect gender or cultural stereotypes. 

• Mindful Approach:

  Jigsaw emphasizes a mindful approach to learning, fostering emotional well-being, resilience, and academic engagement. 

• Spiral Curriculum:

  It's a spiral curriculum, meaning that concepts are revisited and built upon in increasing complexity as children progress through the year groups. 

• Whole-School Approach:

  All year groups focus on the same Jigsaw Puzzle theme simultaneously, creating a shared learning experience across the school. 

• Comprehensive Coverage:

  Jigsaw includes all statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education, with Sex Education also included in the "Changing Me" Puzzle (unit). 

• Age-Appropriate and Sensitive:

  Jigsaw delivers content in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner, addressing topics like puberty, human reproduction, and relationships with respect and care. 

• Emphasis on Safeguarding:

  Jigsaw has a strong safeguarding element, particularly within the "Changing Me" unit, ensuring children are equipped to handle sensitive issues and seek help when needed. 

• Parent and Carer Involvement:

  Jigsaw encourages schools to work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure appropriate and accurate RSE is delivered. 

Six Jigsaw Puzzles:

The curriculum is structured around six half-termly units, or "Puzzles":

1. Being Me in My World: Focuses on self-awareness, identity, and belonging. 
2. Celebrating Differences: Explores diversity, including differences in families, friendship groups, and individual characteristics. 
3. Dreams and Goals: Encourages children to set goals, build resilience, and develop aspirations. 
4. Healthy Me: Promotes physical and mental health, including healthy eating, exercise, and emotional well-being. 
5. Relationships: Explores friendships, family relationships, and respectful relationships with others. 
6. Changing Me: Addresses puberty, human reproduction, and personal safety. 

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education

At Sandy Lane Primary School we aim to help young people develop a wide range of personal and social skills and give them information which will enable them to develop a positive attitude and prevent them becoming involved in substance misuse.  It is intended, that with greater knowledge and understanding, pupils will feel confident in making informed decisions and be able to resist peer pressure.

Overall Aims:

• To help children develop self-awareness, self-esteem, and empathy. 
• To equip children with the knowledge and skills to form positive relationships. 
• To promote children's physical and mental health and well-being. 
• To prepare children for the challenges and opportunities of life in modern Britain. 
• To foster a positive and inclusive culture around relationships and sexuality. 

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

At Sandy Lane Primary School the aim of relationships and sex education is to ensure that children have adequate support through their physical, emotional and moral development.  It is hoped that they will learn to respect themselves and others and move confidently with knowledge and understanding through childhood and adolescence.  Parents are always informed when children receive education in sex and relationships in order that they may support this work at home.  However, parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of sex education, but not from those aspects covered by relationships education, health education or the science curriculum.RHSE is taught through the JIGSAW PSHE Scheme of Work (https://jigsaweducationgroup.com/programmes/jigsaw-pshe/pshe-primary/).