Personal, Social and Emotional Education
Probably the most important teaching that is delivered at the beginning of the school journey is personal, social and emotional education: children need to learn to live and work harmoniously together, managing their own feelings and understanding the impact their behaviour has on others.
At The Grove Infants we follow a scheme of work called Jigsaw (The Grove Juniors use One Decision, they are aware of the importance of the transition process and continue to use some elements of the Jigsaw programme to support children as they begin in the Junior school.)
The Jigsaw Approach
How would children benefit if they could be aware of their thoughts and feelings as they happen, in the moment, on purpose with no judgement? This awareness, known as mindfulness, underpins the Jigsaw philosophy. The school follows a programme of lessons that build upon each other throughout the school year. Mindfulness can be learnt, but it needs to be practised!
Jigsaw brings together emotional literacy, social skills, and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning. It is a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme at the same time. Each 'puzzle' piece - topic - starts with an assembly, and generates a whole school focus for adults and children alike. Jigsaw is taught weekly in class with regular circle times and opportunities to share thoughts and feelings. Each Year group has a Jigsaw character that can be passed around to help children to share their ideas. Reception have Jigsaw Jenie, Year 1 have Jigsaw Jack and Year 2 have Jigsaw Jo.
This holistic approach provides structure and familiarity to children and supports their learning by reinforcing key themes. Below you can see an outline of the programme and how it develops through the school year:
Term: Autumn 1 | Puzzle piece | EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Being me in my world. | Who…me ? | Special and safe | Hopes and fears for the year |
| Being me in my world. | How am I feeling today? | My class | Rights and responsibilities |
| Being me in my world. | Being at school | Rights and responsibilities | Rewards and consequences |
| Being me in my world. | Gentle hands | Rewards and feeling proud | Rewards and consequences |
| Being me in my world. | Our rights | Consequences | Our Learning Charter |
| Being me in my world. | Our responsibilities | Owning our Learning Charter | Owning our Learning Charter |
Term: Autumn 2 | Puzzle piece | EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Celebrating difference | What am I good at? | The same as… | Boys and girls |
| Celebrating difference | I’m special, I’m Me | Different from.. | Boys and girls |
| Celebrating difference | Families | What is bullying? | Why does bullying happen? |
| Celebrating difference | Houses and homes | What do I do about bullying | Standing up for myself |
| Celebrating difference | Making friends | Making new friends | Making a new friend |
Term: Spring 1 | Puzzle piece | EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Dreams and goals | Challenge | My treasure chest of success | Goals to success |
| Dreams and goals | Never give up | Steps to goals | My learning strengths |
| Dreams and goals | Setting a goal | Achieving together | Learning with others |
| Dreams and goals | Obstacles and support | Stretchy learning | A group challenge |
| Dreams and goals | Flight to the future | Overcoming obstacles | Celebrating our achievements |
Term: Spring 2 | Puzzle piece | EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Healthy me | Everybody’s body | Being healthy | Being healthy
|
| Healthy me | We like to move it, move it! | Healthy choices | Being relaxed |
| Healthy me | Food, glorious food | Clean and healthy | Medicine safety |
| Healthy me | Food, glorious food | Medicine safety | Healthy eating |
| Healthy me | Stranger danger | Healthy me cafe | Road safety
|
Term: Summer 1 | Puzzle piece | EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Relationships | My family and me | Families | Families
|
| Relationships | Make friends, make friends, never ever break friends! | Making friends | Keeping safe |
| Relationships | Make friends, make friends, never ever break friends! | Greetings | Friends and conflict |
| Relationships | Falling out and bullying | People who help us | Secrets |
| Relationships | Being the best friend we can be | Being my own best friend | Trust and appreciation |
Term: Summer 2 | Puzzle piece | EYFS | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Changing me | My body | Life cycles | Life cycles in nature |
| Changing me | Respecting my body | Changing me | Growing from young to old |
| Changing me | Growing up | My changing body | The changing me
|
| Changing me | Growth and change | Boys’ and girls’ bodies | Boys’ and girls’ bodies |
| Changing me | Fun and fears | Learning and growing | Assertiveness |
| Changing me | Fun and fears Share your worries Looking ahead to Year 1 | Coping and changing
| Looking ahead to Year 3 |
In line with statutory requirements, before the Changing me jigsaw begins in Year 2, parents are given information about how children are taught about their bodies. This provides an opportunity for parents to ask questions and be reassured about how lessons are delivered in an age appropriate way.
If you would like any more information about any aspects of our Personal, Social and Emotional curriculum or Relationships and Sex Education curriculum, please do not hesitate to talk to class teachers or the subject leader, Sarah Norton.