Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education have been statutory requirements for schools since September 2020, with updated statutory guidance published by the Department for Education in July 2025.
Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education
Coping positively with change
At Eaton Park Academy, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is delivered through the Changing Me unit within our PSHE curriculum. This unit includes two or three lessons in each year group and is designed to help children understand how their bodies, emotions and relationships change as they grow and develop. A key aspect of this learning is safeguarding, ensuring that children have the knowledge and vocabulary needed to keep themselves safe. In the younger year groups, teaching focuses on learning the correct names for body parts, understanding personal boundaries and developing the foundations for future learning. As pupils move through Key Stage 2, lessons build progressively on prior knowledge, introducing age-appropriate learning about puberty, human reproduction and the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up.
We believe this learning is an important part of preparing children for the future and that it should be delivered in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner. The resources and materials used within the Jigsaw programme provide a structured and progressive framework for this learning. Staff teaching the Changing Me unit receive appropriate training and support to ensure lessons are delivered confidently, sensitively and in a way that meets the needs of all pupils.
We value the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers and are committed to keeping families informed about the content of our curriculum. Parents and carers have a legal right to request that their child is withdrawn from the non-statutory sex education elements of the programme. Parents and carers will be notified in advance of the teaching of sensitive PSHE and RSHE content to allow for this. The Headteacher will grant any such request.
SMSC
What is SMSC?
SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development. All schools in England have a responsibility to promote and support pupils’ SMSC development. We recognise that a child’s education extends beyond academic achievement and includes their personal development, wellbeing and understanding of the world around them.
SMSC is divided into four key strands:
- Spiritual Development – This strand supports pupils in exploring their beliefs, values and sense of self while encouraging curiosity about the world around them.
- Moral Development – This strand helps pupils understand right and wrong and develop a strong sense of fairness and responsibility
- Social Development – This strand supports pupils in building positive relationships and contributing to their communities.
- Cultural Development – This strand encourages pupils to appreciate and celebrate diversity within Britain and the wider world.
What does it look like here at Eaton Park Academy?
We provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to explore, experience and reflect upon spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of life. These experiences help children develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to contribute positively to society and prepare them for life beyond primary school.
At Eaton Park Academy, SMSC is not taught as a standalone subject. Instead, it is embedded throughout the curriculum and wider school life. It runs through all areas of learning, enrichment opportunities and everyday interactions. It supports our vision for the type of learners we aspire to develop, the environment we seek to create and the education we strive to provide.
- Themed assemblies and celebrations
- Futures strategy enrichment and trips
- Our own school MASTER Value
- Futures strategy employability skills
Promoting British Values within SMSC
The DfE states that there is a need: “To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.“
At Eaton Park Academy, we actively promote British Values to help pupils become respectful, responsible and informed citizens who understand:
Democracy
Democracy means that everyone has a voice and the opportunity to share their views, with decisions often being made through discussion and voting.
The Rule of Law
The rule of law means understanding the importance of rules and laws in keeping people safe, happy and treating everyone fairly.
Individual Liberty
Individual liberty means having the freedom to make choices, express yourself and follow your interests, while respecting the rights of others.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect means treating others with kindness, consideration and understanding, even when opinions or beliefs may differ.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This means valuing and respecting people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions and beliefs, and recognising that diversity strengthens our community.
Futures Strategy
Exposure to myFuture and Job Roles
At Eaton Park Academy, we raise pupils’ aspirations and develop their awareness of future opportunities by embedding careers-related learning throughout the curriculum. Through subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Learning and Oracy, children build essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience. As they progress through the school, pupils are introduced to a wide range of careers and professions, helping them to understand the links between their learning and the world of work. This enables our children to develop ambition, realise their potential and feel well prepared for the next stage of their education and their future lives.
Here at Eaton Park Academy, we are sparking the curiosity early at primary school age; to support the myFuture collaboration in order to provide a continuous pathway all the way through to graduation to ensure our students are prepared for the world of work from day one.
WMBACC – myFUTURE | Supporting Skills, Careers & Progression
You will see a dedicated careers feature in our school brochures, showcasing the wide range of activities, experiences and learning opportunities taking place across the academy to promote careers education and aspiration. Our community plays a vital role in this work, and we warmly welcome contributions from former pupils, parents and carers who would be willing to share their career journeys, experiences and successes.
Each year, we will also hold a Futures Careers Festival, providing children with opportunities to learn about a variety of careers, professions and hobbies. The aim is to inspire pupils, raise aspirations and help them understand the steps and pathways that can lead to their future goals, while also introducing them to possibilities they may never have previously considered. We encourage members of our school community to become involved and share their stories, helping to inspire the next generation.
amellor@eatonparkacademy.co.uk
office@eatonparkacademy.co.uk
We take part in ‘National Careers Week’
We are a ‘Primary Career Quality Mark’ School
