PHSE

At Hilltop, we believe that Personal, Health, Social, Economic education (PHSE) is the foundation of a child’s learning. It helps give children the skills and understanding they need to be morally good, healthy and independent citizens.

We believe every child deserves an education that prepares them not only for academic success but also to thrive as rounded individuals in modern society. Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education sits at the heart of this commitment.

PSHE is not an add-on to our curriculum; it is fundamental to our children’s development as confident, healthy and respectful members of society. Through high-quality PSHE, we equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to stay safe, maintain wellbeing, and build positive relationships throughout their lives.

At Hilltop, we follow the Jigsaw PHSE curriculum. This curriculum is carefully designed to be developmental and progressive. From the moment children join our school, they begin to explore emotional literacy—learning to recognise, name and talk about feelings. This foundation grows year by year, helping pupils to manage emotions, develop resilience, and make informed decisions that support their own and others’ wellbeing.

By embedding PSHE across our school culture, we nurture a community where respect, inclusivity and responsibility flourish. In doing so, we prepare our pupils not only for the challenges of childhood but also for adulthood, work and active citizenship.

What is PHSE?

PHSE is a term used to combine the areas of personal, health, relationship and sexual education. RSE is about the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils, and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity. At Hilltop, we enable children to leave school with the skills needed to explore the world and make positive relationships with others.

Personal and health education is based fundamentally on giving children the skills and knowledge to be physically and mentally healthy. In addition it should provide the information required to let children make informed choices so they can keep themselves safe both in the real world and online.

If you would like to find out more about how we teach PHSE, read a Parent's Information Guide to teaching PHSE here.