Our Approach

We believe that our children’s personal, social and emotional development is a cornerstone of their ability to access learning across all areas of the curriculum. As such, we treat it as a core subject, giving it the time and careful consideration it needs to make a meaningful difference.

At Hassocks, we follow the Jigsaw PSHE curriculum. The Jigsaw Programme provides a comprehensive and carefully sequenced scheme of work, ensuring consistency and progression throughout our children’s learning in this vital curriculum area. It brings together Personal, Social and Health Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development into a cohesive programme of learning.

Through this curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy, safe and emotionally resilient. Learning in this area also extends well beyond discrete PSHE sessions and is reinforced through our behaviour policy, school vision and aims, assemblies, and the wider life of the school.

Teaching Tools 

The curriculum is organised into six themes, with one theme taught each half term. These themes are revisited in every year group, enabling children to deepen their understanding and build progressively on their learning in each area throughout their time with us.

Each theme is represented by a piece of a jigsaw (in the form of a teddy), giving children a clear visual representation of how the different aspects fit together to support their holistic wellbeing.

These areas are: 

• Being Me in My World
• Celebrating Difference 
• Dreams and Goals
• Healthy Me 
• Relationships 
• Changing Me 

 

 

Supporting All Children 

Jigsaw’s programme is designed to be inclusive and adaptable so that all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), can access and benefit from PSHE learning. Lessons follow a predictable structure with visual supports and clear routines, and activities can be adapted to meet different communication styles and learning needs. Mindfulness practices, scaffolded discussions and resources help children regulate emotions, participate with confidence and feel connected, while teacher guidance and SEND-specific support ensure every learner is included and supported throughout their PSHE journey.

Our school is committed to inclusive practice so that all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or additional needs, can access learning and thrive socially and emotionally. We use a thoughtful graduated approach to identify and respond to individual needs, working closely with parents and specialists to remove barriers to learning and ensure full participation in school life. Every teacher is supported to adapt teaching so every child can make progress, build confidence and feel valued as part of our community. This inclusive ethos is reflected in our behaviour and SEND policies, which emphasise respect, support and high expectations for all learners.

Above and Beyond

At Hassocks Infant School we go above and beyond to ensure every child feels safe, happy and ready to learn. Our nurturing ethos encourages children to be confident individuals who explore, respect and flourish in a supportive community where personal growth is central to everything we do. Our core values — Be Safe, Be Ready and Be Respectful — are woven through daily school life and help children develop strong relationships, resilience and emotional understanding. Reward systems such as our “Hassocks Heroes” celebration promote positive behaviour, while teaching about healthy relationships, emotional literacy and respectful interactions ensures that wellbeing and social development are embedded in all aspects of school life.

Diversity

Jigsaw PSHE supports our school in teaching diversity by embedding learning about identity, difference and respect across the curriculum. Through units like Celebrating Difference, children explore similarities and differences, learn about equality and treating others with kindness, and understand how positive relationships are built on respect for a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This helps pupils develop empathy, challenge stereotypes, and build a school culture where every child feels valued and able to contribute to a diverse community.