As our children grow, we want them to develop emotionally, socially and spiritually so they become confident and fulfilled young people. At St Margaret's, our RSE curriculum aims to prepare them for the changes and challenges they will encounter to enable them to develop the skills and independence to make healthy and responsible choices. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of experiences, cultures, backgrounds and faiths in our school. This helps us as a community to foster positive attitudes, respect and tolerance for others and create a safe environment in which our pupils can grow, learn and develop positive, healthy behaviour for life. RSE is taught through our PSHE Scheme of work 'Kapow' There are 3 strands which address the Statutory Requirements of RSE teaching. These are: Families and Relationships Safety and the changing body Health and wellbeing All these elements include elements of online safety and address healthy and unhealthy relationships in the 'on-line world' as well as in the off-line world.
This document has links to advice in dealing with topics relating to RSE including online safety. There is a list of links to age appropriate recommended reads across Primary school. The link to the Governments review of RSE Statutory guidance is also on here. Responses are due by 11/7/24
Please read the full and /or summary policies and respond if you have any feedback by 7th June 2024.
NSPCC is good for Online relationships
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
links to leaflets for parents providing advice on supporting children with a range of RSE and mental health.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/
Includes advice for how to deal with difficult conversations and also recommended books for supporting primary aged children with RSE.
Tips From Childline on having difficult conversations with children
Whether you’re talking to a group or an individual, there are some general principles that will help you discuss sensitive subjects with children and young people.
Help them feel comfortable
Acknowledge that the topic isn’t easy to talk about but explain why it’s important to talk about it.
Show you’re listening
Encourage children to talk openly and make it clear that you value their opinions. You could set ground rules, such as not interrupting and respecting other people’s points of view.
Give them time
Allow children to set their own pace - don’t push them to say more than they want to. They may need time to process certain topics – so make sure they know they can come back to you another time if they need to.
Stay neutral
Avoid displaying strong emotions such as shock or embarrassment in response to something a child or young person says. This might discourage them from sharing their experiences with you.
Be open and honest
Encourage them to ask questions. Answer them as honestly as possible, whilst taking into consideration their age and emotional maturity.
Get your facts straight
If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so – don’t provide young people with information that’s incorrect. You could look for the answer together, recommend where they can find information or research and share what you have found next time you meet.
If you’re talking about something like coronavirus where the situation may change quickly, explain this and let children know how to stay updated as things progress.
Use the right language
Make sure children understand the terminology associated with the topic and that it is age-appropriate. Avoid using euphemisms. Look at the language used on resources developed by and for children such as the Childline website.
Be clear about confidentiality
It’s important that children feel able to share their experiences with you. But if you have any concerns about their wellbeing you must make a report. Never promise to keep things a secret and explain that you have a responsibility to tell people who can help.
Childline also have some online games and activities for under 12s
A summary of key points taken from survey results