PSHE & Safeguarding Newsletter

Summer

Welcome to the WPT PSHE and Safeguarding Newsletter.

Through this newsletter we share an overview of the topics we cover in PSHE and how these link to safeguarding your children, while developing their knowledge, confidence and understanding of the world they live in.

The PSHE, safeguarding and personal development teams across the trust work closely together to ensure we provide a curriculum that helps children and young people stay healthy and safe, while preparing them to make the most of life now and in the future. PSHE and personal development education isn’t just another school subject – it is a vital part of ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. This includes supporting them with key issues such as friendships, emotional wellbeing and change.

Looking Ahead: RSHE Updates (2026-27)

From September 2026, there will be updates to the RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) curriculum in line with national guidance. As a trust, we are reviewing and refining our curriculum to ensure it remains age-appropriate, evidence-informed and responsive to the needs of our young people.

As part of these developments, secondary students will continue to build their knowledge and understanding across key areas, including:

Healthy and respectful relationships, including consent and boundaries
Online relationships, digital safety and the impact of social media
Mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience
Physical health, including puberty and sexual health
Managing risk, including peer pressure, exploitation and harmful behaviours

Our RSHE curriculum will continue to be closely aligned with our safeguarding and personal development provision, ensuring that learning is joined-up, relevant and responsive to both local and national issues. This enables us to provide consistent messages and support for young people as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

An updated RSHE policy will be shared with parents and carers during this term, outlining these changes and what they mean for your child.

By September, all school websites will be updated to reflect the most current PSHE and RSHE curriculum content, so parents and carers can clearly see what is being taught.

📢 Investing in our Young People: PSHE Curriculum Developments

At Wickersley Partnership Trust, our mission is to send all young people into an ever-changing world "able and qualified" to play their full part in it. To ensure our students are not just exam-ready but life-ready, we are excited to share some significant developments within our Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum.

🗣️ A Deeper Focus on Oracy & Communication

We believe that the ability to articulate ideas, debate respectfully, and listen actively are the "golden keys" to future success. This year, we are placing an even deeper focus on oracy skills.

Through structured discussions on complex topics, ranging from mental health to global citizenship, students are being taught to find their voice. By removing barriers to communication, we empower our students to advocate for themselves and others, preparing them for interviews, the workplace, and healthy adult relationships.

⏳ Increased Learning Time for Years 9, 10 & 11

The Trust has made the strategic decision to increase dedicated PSHE learning time for our Key Stage 4 students (Years 9–11). We recognize that as students approach adulthood, the challenges they face become more nuanced. This extra time allows us to:

Deepen the "Spiral Curriculum": Revisit vital topics like financial literacy and physical health with greater maturity and detail.
Support Essential Developments: Address new and emerging curriculum requirements, including online safety, the impact of AI, and navigating the modern media landscape.
Prioritise Wellbeing: Provide a consistent, safe space to discuss exam pressure, resilience, and mental health during these pivotal years.

"Our curriculum is designed to value the development of the 'able' as much as the 'qualified.' This extra time ensures our young people have the attributes—independence, responsibility, and resilience—to lead happy and successful lives."

🗺️ What This Means for Your Child

Your child will see more frequent, specialised sessions delivered by staff who are passionate about personal development. Whether it’s mastering "Money Matters" or practicing the "Wickersley Way" of respectful debate, every minute of this additional time is an investment in their character.

Team around the Child

Your child can access support from their form tutor, non-teaching Head of Year and Head of Year
Every school has a safeguarding team, a SENCO, and trained staff supporting mental health and wellbeing
Please see your school website for key contacts and futher useful support links for parents and children.

Staying Safe in the Summer Months

As the weather improves, we want to remind families about the dangers of open water.

Swimming in reservoirs, rivers or canals can be extremely dangerous, even if the water appears calm. Hidden currents, cold temperatures and unseen hazards can quickly lead to serious situations.

Further guidance for parents:

Royal Life Saving Society UK – water safety advice and education
National Water Safety Forum – practical safety guidance
Hope-sy.org.uk

Keeping Young People Safe as Independence Develops

As children become more independent, technology can be both helpful and challenging for families.

Parental tools such as location tracking and screen time controls can support safety, but it’s equally important to have open conversations about responsible use.

Helpful resources for parents:

NSPCC – online safety guidance and parental advice
Internet Matters – step-by-step guides for apps, devices and parental controls
Smartphone Free Childhood – support around delaying smartphone use

Why this matters:

Research highlights risks linked to early and unrestricted smartphone use, including:

Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
Cyberbullying and online exploitation
Addictive design impacting focus and wellbeing
Sleep disruption and mental health concerns

Supporting young people to develop balanced, safe digital habits is key.

Supporting your Child with Transition

Transitions - whether between year groups, or schools - can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety.

You can support your child by:

Talking openly about their feelings
Explaining what will be different
Reassuring them that nerves are normal
Encouraging questions

Useful support for parents:

YoungMinds – advice on transitions and anxiety
NSPCC – guidance on supporting children through change

Healthy and Safe Relationships

We recognise increasing concerns around how young people navigate relationships, particularly influenced by online spaces and media.

Our PSHE curriculum gives students dedicated time to explore:

Healthy relationships
Online behaviours and influences
Mental health and self-esteem
Consent and respect

We regularly review our curriculum to reflect current issues and ensure staff are equipped to support sensitive discussions.

Support for parents:

Lucy Faithfull Foundation – understanding teenage sexual behaviour
NSPCC – talking to children about relationships and safety

Key reminders:

Young people develop at different rates
Some may experience harmful behaviour online or offline
Vulnerable groups may face increased risks
Parents and carers play a key role in guiding safe, respectful behaviour

If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s PSHE teacher or safeguarding team.

We hope you all have a wonderful summer and we will look forward to seeing you all in September 2026.

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