This is not, of course, the ideal start for schools, or pupils, and we know you and colleagues will be under immense pressure to ensure safety and smooth running this term, and that it won’t be easy.
From a PSHE education perspective we are, as ever, here to help you and your pupils. The statutory requirements to provide Relationships Education, RSE and Health Education are now in effect, though with some leeway for schools whose preparations have been delayed. Whatever stage you are at, we are here to support you with new resources, training, services and guidance this term and beyond. It’s never been more important to work together as a community to give children and young people the support they need.
Back to school packs & upcoming resources
This school year begins unlike any we’ve seen (see our keynote: Are we OK with this? Education in the time of Covid), so we wanted to support you with dedicated ‘back to school’ packs for primary and secondary. These packs will help schools to welcome their students back after closures and get them back on their feet.
Given the significant gaps in students’ attendance, varied approaches to home learning, and national concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic, schools will be starting this academic year with significant and unique challenges. Whatever their individual experiences of lockdown, it is likely all pupils will need reintroduction to learning routines and support with rebuilding their self-esteem, wellbeing, confidence and learning potential.
Our packs will support you to develop a transition strategy for your PSHE education programme as part of a whole school reintegration approach that safeguards young people and promotes wellbeing.
Association members can also look forward to a range of new resources this term, including our comprehensive drug and alcohol education packs, lesson plans on dental health, primary lessons on healthy sleep and much more.
PSHE Association CEO Jonathan Baggaley says:
"This continues to be a challenging and uncertain time for schools, so we’re pleased to be able to offer support with your way forward through these guidance packs. PSHE is still the perfect vehicle for preparing our young people for whatever comes next, and we will continue to provide safe and effective materials for you to help them thrive in this environment."
Keep an eye out for our suite of drug and alcohol education lessons, arriving in mid-September; we released a mapping document at the end of last term, to help you plan these into your curriculum. And make sure you download the latest versions of our Programme Builders to see the most up-to-date resources we have for each topic area