PSHE in Key Stage 1

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education in Key Stage 1 introduces young learners to essential topics that support their development across important areas of development. Covering subjects including physical and mental health, understanding money, relationships and safety, PSHE provides children in Key Stage 1 with a strong foundation for personal growth and wellbeing. 

These lessons foster positive behaviour, interpersonal skills and a primary understanding of the world around them, providing students with a head start in preparing to interact confidently in various social settings both in and outside school. The skills gained through a strong grounding in the tenets of the PSHE curriculum enriches the educational experience, supports lifelong development and contributes to helping students become well-rounded individuals.

PSHE in Key Stage 1: What You Need to Know

The Key Stage 1 PSHE curriculum is designed to equip young students with the necessary skills to thrive in school, in their life outside of school as well as later in life. Age-appropriate lessons are introduced as a way to encourage students in their understanding of essential concepts related to health, relationships and personal safety. Through interactive activities and discussion, PSHE teachers create an engaging classroom environment that makes the learning of these topics enjoyable, applicable and meaningful.

The PSHE curriculum in Key Stage 1 often intersects with other subjects, such as science and physical education (PE), allowing for the integration of the curriculum’s core values into a variety of classroom activities and facilitates an interconnectedness to other areas of school life. This holistic approach reinforces key skills and energises students in realising and making real-world connections, whether in understanding the importance of personal hygiene in a science lesson or learning about teamwork in PE. These integrated lessons make PSHE a core part of early education.

Key Components of PSHE for Key Stage 1 Students

Key Stage 1 PSHE encompasses several core areas that support the building of a strong foundation for personal and social growth. Each area focuses on aspects of development that are designed to equip students to make independent and informed choices, build positive relationships with both peers and adults and safeguard their personal safety.

Health and Wellbeing Education

Take note of the following bullet points which provide an overview of the PSHE curriculum in Key Stage 1:

• Physical Health: Foundational lessons cover personal hygiene, exercise and making healthy food choices, giving students early insights into how to care for their bodies.
• Mental Health: Through key information and methods on how to manage emotions and recognise feelings, children are aided in fostering their resilience and emotional intelligence.
• Body Awareness: Teaching bodily autonomy and privacy encourages students to recognise and respect their own personal space and those of others.

Social Skills and Relationships

• Friendship Skills: Through activities focusing on kindness and empathy, children learn the fundamentals of making and maintaining positive friendships.
• Respect for Others: Lessons on inclusivity and respect for diversity help students understand others and create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment.
• Communication: Role-playing and interactive exercises help students develop their listening and speaking skills, assisting them in effectively expressing their thoughts and supporting their understanding in social situations.

Personal Safety and Decision Making-Skills

• Safety Awareness: Children are taught the basics of staying safe in both the real world  and in online environments, providing them with tools to protect themselves in a variety of settings.
• Decision-Making: Simple strategies help young learners understand the importance of thinking before acting, empowering them to make safer and more informed choices.
• Understanding Risks: Through activities tailored to their age, students learn to recognise potential risks and follow safety rules in varied and difficult situations, building a mindset focused on personal responsibility.

These components of the curriculum allow PSHE classes to support various aspects of student growth, from physical and mental health to social skills, all within a structured learning environment at a young age.

Muse Wellbeing PSHE Learning in KS1

Muse Wellbeing’s PSHE curriculum for Key Stage 1 focuses on creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment. The programme involves the use of interactive materials and varied activities that turn complex topics into accessible and enjoyable lessons for young learners. By including storytelling, group discussions and role-playing exercises, Muse Wellbeing’s PSHE curriculum helps children to connect with each topic on an engaging and personal level.

Muse Wellbeing emphasises the development of social skills and emotional understanding. Lessons are designed to build empathy, respect and awareness of personal and social boundaries, equipping students with skills they will use both inside and beyond the classroom. This well-rounded approach supports children’s positive growth, helping them in their daily lives and preparing them for later stages of education.

The curriculum also integrates important values such as teamwork, kindness and resilience. By addressing these values in PSHE lessons, Muse Wellbeing aligns with broader educational goals that foster a strong sense of community among students. The focus on respect, empathy and personal safety reflects Muse Wellbeing’s commitment to nurturing confident, capable learners who can positively impact their school, family and community.

Importance of PSHE in Primary Schools

PSHE’s role in Year 1 and Year 2 extends beyond the classroom, equipping young learners with essential tools for self-awareness and social interaction. In helping children recognise their own emotions and empathise with others, PSHE supports the development of their emotional intelligence and their ability to form and maintain positive relationships. The PSHE Association highlights research showing that effective PSHE education fosters better academic achievement, behavioural outcomes and personal growth, creating an empowering learning environment where students can thrive.

Research indicates that upon implementing robust PSHE programmes, schools enhance students’ mindset towards and understanding of health and wellbeing while improving their social skills and decision-making abilities. As noted by the PSHE Association, this holistic approach is crucial, especially for young learners, as it lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and successful, fulfilling and positive interactions with peers and adults alike.

By emphasising the importance of emotional health and social skills, PSHE prepares students to navigate the complexities of modern life and learn to contribute positively to their communities.

Better PSHE Provision for ALL Students

PSHE in Key Stage 1 is a cornerstone of early education, providing a solid foundation for young learners as they navigate these formative years of personal and social development. By covering key topics like health, relationships and personal safety, PSHE enables students to develop resilience, empathy and confidence in all areas of life. 

Muse Wellbeing’s PSHE curriculum is specifically designed to foster inclusivity and respect, ensuring that all students feel supported as they progress through primary school. Through PSHE, students gain valuable skills and insights that will serve them well throughout their lives, allowing them the room to become not only better students but also more compassionate, capable individuals.