Overview

At Rathfern, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) is a vital part of our curriculum. It supports children to develop the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become confident, emotionally resilient, and responsible members of society. Our approach is rooted in the SCARF programme, which promotes Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, and Friendship. These values are woven throughout school life and help us nurture compassionate and confident learners who can thrive both academically and personally.

Intent

At Rathfern, our PSHE curriculum is rooted in the SCARF programme, which promotes the values of Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, and Friendship. These principles guide our intent to develop confident, compassionate, and emotionally literate young people who are prepared for the challenges of modern life.

 We are deeply committed to nurturing pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing, recognising that these are the foundations for academic success and lifelong fulfilment. Our curriculum equips children with the knowledge and skills to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, stay safe, and make responsible choices.

introducing scarf.pdf

Implementation

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered through the SCARF framework, a comprehensive, evidence-based programme that ensures consistent, high-quality learning across the school. SCARF is organised into six recurring units that allow children to build and deepen knowledge each year:

• Me and My Relationships

• Valuing Difference

• Keeping Myself Safe

• Rights and Responsibilities

• Being My Best

• Growing and Changing

Key features of our implementation include:

• Whole-school approach: PSHE and SCARF values are integrated into assemblies, class charters, safeguarding practices, and our school behaviour policy.

• Mental Health Champions: Trained through OneGoal, these pupils promote wellbeing across the school, support peers, and encourage kindness and inclusion through initiatives, assemblies, and daily interactions.

• Mental health and wellbeing focus: Regular lessons, circle time, and classroom strategies teach children how to understand and manage emotions, recognise mental health needs, and develop resilience.

• Inclusive and reflective teaching: Lessons promote diversity, inclusion, and equity, encouraging all pupils to share their views and experiences.

• Pupil voice and leadership: Children contribute to school culture through class councils, buddy systems, and feedback opportunities.

• Teacher training and support: Staff receive planning guidance and CPD to deliver PSHE confidently and consistently.

PSHE and wellbeing long-term plan

To be uploaded soon

Impact

We assess the impact of our PSHE curriculum through a variety of strategies including:

• Pupil voice and surveys

• Staff observations and pupil reflections

• Monitoring behaviour and wellbeing logs

• Engagement in whole-school initiatives and leadership roles

• Parent feedback and safeguarding records

The intended impact includes:

• Improved mental health and emotional literacy: Pupils can name, express, and regulate their feelings and understand when and how to seek help.

• A culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion: With the support of Mental Health Champions, children feel safe, supported, and empowered to challenge unkind behaviour.

• Positive relationships: Pupils show empathy, resolve conflict constructively, and demonstrate acceptance of difference.

• Resilient, confident learners: Children persevere through challenges, set goals, and build positive self-esteem.

• Safe and responsible decision-making: Pupils understand personal safety, consent, online behaviours, and how to make informed choices.

• Well-prepared citizens: Pupils leave Rathfern with the confidence, knowledge, and values needed to navigate adolescence, secondary school, and the wider world.

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