PSHE curriculum – Getting RSE right in primary
Effective RSE in primary schools requires careful planning and integration within PSHE. Here’s how to get it right…
- by David Morris
- Director of Muse Wellbeing Visit website
Making sure you effectively deliver RSE within a primary PSHE curriculum can be more nuanced than it first appears.
Relationships education is statutory in primary schools; however, wider PSHE is not compulsory, and sex education remains optional at this stage.
While many schools introduce aspects of sex education in upper Key Stage 2, it’s not always easy to define how this fits within a broader PSHE curriculum.
As a result, schools take different approaches to structuring learning, progression and content, often adapting provision to best meet the needs of their pupils.
However, there is clear guidance available to schools. The Department for Education sets out statutory guidance for relationships education and health education, outlining what pupils should know by the end of primary school.
Translating this guidance into a coherent and progressive curriculum remains a key challenge for many schools.
What does RSE include in primary PSHE?
Primary school RSE centres on three core areas: relationships, health and wellbeing. These areas aim to provide children with the knowledge and skills needed to develop positive relationships, respect others and understand safe and appropriate behaviour.
All of these are essential for both personal development and safeguarding.
In practice, primary RSE will typically include:
- Understanding different types of relationships, including family and friendships
- Identifying the characteristics of positive and respectful relationships
- Learning about personal boundaries and consent in an age-appropriate way
- Understanding online relationships and how to stay safe in digital environments
- Developing awareness of physical and emotional changes, particularly in upper Key Stage 2
The PSHE Association Programme of Study supports schools in organising these topics within a wider PSHE framework so that learning builds over time.
By taking this broader approach, pupils are able to connect relationship learning with wellbeing, safety and personal responsibility, rather than viewing RSE as a separate subject area.
Why integrating RSE within PSHE can be challenging
Integrating RSE within a primary PSHE curriculum can require careful planning. Schools face a number of practical and structural challenges when delivering this content effectively.
Consistency is one of the most common challenges. Without a clearly sequenced curriculum, RSE is often delivered through isolated lessons rather than as part of a progressive learning journey.
This can lead to gaps in knowledge or repetition of key content across year groups.
Teacher confidence is another important factor. RSE topics, particularly those related to relationships, boundaries and puberty, require careful and sensitive delivery.
Without clear guidance or structured resources, teachers may feel uncertain about how to approach discussions or how deeply to explore certain areas.
“Without clear guidance or structured resources, teachers may feel uncertain about how to approach discussions”
There is also a balance to be struck between statutory requirements and flexibility. While relationships education is compulsory, schools have discretion over how wider PSHE and elements of sex education are delivered.
This flexibility can be valuable, but it can also result in inconsistency across the curriculum.
Guidance from organisations such as the NHS highlights the importance of supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing from an early age.
However, without a structured curriculum, translating this guidance into consistent classroom practice can remain challenging.
Why a structured PSHE curriculum matters
A structured PSHE curriculum provides the foundation required to deliver RSE effectively. It ensures that learning is planned, sequenced and appropriate for each primary year group.
Structure supports progression. Pupils build on prior knowledge, moving from understanding friendships and kindness in earlier years to exploring more complex concepts such as consent, boundaries and online safety in upper Key Stage 2.
This gradual development helps pupils become more confident and secure in their understanding.
For teachers, a structured curriculum provides clarity and confidence. Clear lesson pathways and defined learning objectives reduce planning time and support consistent delivery across classes and year groups.
Importantly, a structured curriculum strengthens safeguarding. Pupils who revisit and develop their understanding of RSE topics over time are more likely to recognise unsafe situations and understand how to seek support.
“For teachers, a structured curriculum provides clarity and confidence”
This aligns closely with statutory expectations and supports a whole-school approach to wellbeing.
- A well-designed, structured PSHE curriculum can support schools by providing fully sequenced lessons, clear progression across all year groups and age-appropriate content throughout the curriculum.
- These elements work together to ensure that learning is consistent, developmentally appropriate and easy to deliver across the school.
- For example, schools may choose to implement a pre-designed programme such as a structured PSHE curriculum from Muse Wellbeing.
- These types of whole school scheme of works are designed to support consistent delivery, reduce planning time and align closely with statutory expectations.
Getting RSE right in practice
Getting RSE right in primary PSHE is not about isolating it from the wider curriculum, but about integrating it effectively within a structured approach.
When RSE is embedded within a clearly sequenced PSHE framework, it becomes a natural and meaningful part of pupils’ learning. In practice, this includes:
- Learning that is sequenced and builds over time
- Teachers feeling confident and well supported in delivery
- Pupils having regular opportunities to revisit and apply key concepts
- Safeguarding being embedded throughout the curriculum
When these elements are in place, schools are well-positioned to deliver RSE in a way that is both compliant and impactful.
Through a consistent and supportive learning experience, pupils develop a strong understanding of relationships, learn how to stay safe and build the confidence needed for later life.
David Morris is the director of Muse Wellbeing, a UK primary PSHE and RSE curriculum provider supporting schools with structured, ready-to-teach programmes. Learn more at Muse Wellbeing.
