At the heart of our Reception curriculum is the belief that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, valued, and confident. Through our PSHE curriculum, we help children develop the skills they need to build positive relationships, manage their emotions, stay healthy and safe, and become responsible members of our school community.

Our learning is based on the PSHE Matters programme and the EYFS Statutory Framework, ensuring children develop the key skills needed for both school and life.

What do children learn about?

Throughout the year, children explore a range of age-appropriate themes, including:

• Being Me – recognising what makes us special and building confidence.
• Difference and Diversity – celebrating similarities and differences between people and families.
• Exploring Emotions – recognising, understanding, and managing feelings.
• Relationships – making friends, showing kindness, teamwork, and respecting others.
• Being Healthy – healthy eating, exercise, sleep, hygiene, and looking after our bodies.
• Drug Education – understanding medicine safety and trusted adults.
• Growing Up – learning about life stages, independence, and asking for help.
• Changes – understanding change, seasons, routines, and transitions.
• Being Responsible – caring for ourselves, others, and the environment.
• Money Matters – learning about money, jobs, needs and wants, and helping others.
• Being Safe – staying safe at school, at home, online, and in the community.

How do children learn?

PSHE is woven throughout our daily practice rather than being taught only in dedicated lessons.

Children learn through:

• High-quality story books and class discussions.
• Circle times and practical activities.
• Role play and collaborative games.
• Everyday classroom routines.
• Opportunities to develop independence and responsibility.
• Child-initiated play and continuous provision.
• Positive interactions with adults and peers.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

A key part of our PSHE curriculum is helping children understand and manage their emotions.

Each morning, children take part in a settling-in and emotional check-in session using our Zones of Regulation boards. This helps children identify how they are feeling, develop emotional vocabulary, and learn strategies to regulate their emotions. Adults use this time to support children who may need additional reassurance, helping them feel calm, safe, and ready to learn.

Learning Through Everyday Experiences

Many PSHE skills are developed through everyday classroom life. Children are encouraged to:

• Look after their belongings and shared resources.
• Help tidy and care for the classroom environment.
• Develop independence with dressing, toileting, and self-care.
• Show kindness and consideration towards others.
• Solve problems and resolve disagreements respectfully.
• Make healthy and safe choices.

Our Aim

By the end of Reception, we aim for children to be confident, resilient, kind, independent learners who can manage their feelings, build positive relationships, make healthy and safe choices, and approach new experiences with curiosity and confidence. These important foundations prepare them well for a successful transition into Year 1 and beyond.

This information sheet below provides an overview of the learning your child will be exploring each half term. The suggested conversation starters can help you discuss and reinforce these themes at home.