At Hermitage Primary School, we use Jigsaw PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) to support our children’s personal development, emotional wellbeing and understanding of the world around them.

Jigsaw is a whole-school programme that helps children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to lead healthy, happy and safe lives. It brings together personal and social development, emotional literacy, mindfulness and relationship education, encouraging children to understand themselves, build positive relationships and respect others.

Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, children learn to recognise and manage their emotions, communicate effectively, make positive choices and develop resilience when faced with challenges. Jigsaw also encourages children to celebrate diversity, show empathy and understand the importance of kindness, equality and inclusion.

How is Jigsaw PSHE organised?

Jigsaw is organised into six half-termly themes, known as ‘Puzzles’. Each puzzle builds on previous learning, allowing children to develop their understanding and skills as they progress through school. All year groups explore the same theme at the same time, with learning adapted to suit the age and stage of the children.

The six puzzles are:

• Being Me in My World – Developing a sense of identity and belonging, understanding rights and responsibilities, and learning how to contribute positively to our school community.
• Celebrating Difference – Recognising and celebrating similarities and differences, developing empathy and understanding how to prevent and respond to bullying.
• Dreams and Goals – Setting personal goals, developing perseverance and resilience, and learning the importance of teamwork and supporting others.
• Healthy Me – Understanding physical and mental health, developing healthy habits and learning how to make safe and positive choices.
• Relationships – Building positive friendships, understanding different relationships, communicating respectfully and learning about boundaries and staying safe.
• Changing Me – Understanding change as part of growing up, developing self-awareness and learning about physical and emotional changes in an age-appropriate way.

No Outsiders 

We use the No Outsiders programme to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

Through carefully chosen children’s books and age-appropriate discussions, pupils learn to celebrate differences, challenge stereotypes and understand the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.

The programme teaches children that everyone belongs, regardless of their background, beliefs, family circumstances, disability or differences. It supports our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels valued, accepted and able to be themselves along with our school thrive values.