Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is continuing to evolve as a curriculum area. But to deliver effective and appropriate lessons, teachers need support and tailored input to help them serve the diverse needs and contexts they find themselves in.
This is why I was very pleased to lead on a year-long project to support curriculum leaders and teachers, including early career teachers (ECTs), throughout the borough.
Running from September 2024 to July 2025, our Strengthening PSHE in Schools Initiative aimed to build leadership capacity, provide tailored support for schools and enhance professional development opportunities in response to the growing importance of PSHE.
As expectations around safeguarding, consent, mental health and pupil voice grow, we know that schools increasingly need practical, school-based support alongside central guidance.
Drawing on the expertise in PSHE we had already developed at Christ Church, the initiative created opportunities for leaders and teachers to learn from current practice and collaborate with colleagues.
Thanks to you and the Year 6s again for having us to the school yesterday. It was so evident what a high standard PSHE is at Christ Church – with the children clearly able to recall what they’d learnt over multiple years. Really impressive to see.
Throughout the year, Christ Church co-planned and delivered three PSHE leaders’ network meetings alongside Camden Learning’s PSHE adviser, covering topics such as consent, auditing provision, child-led topics and using Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire data.
We provided bespoke support to five schools, including three new PSHE leaders, and we also hosted and modelled a network meeting where we showcased pupils’ work and curriculum packs to colleagues.
In terms of curriculum development, we contributed to the review of Camden’s PSHE materials and participated in the borough’s consultation on sexual wellbeing education. We also delivered ECT training, focusing on PSHE delivery, progression and responding to pupil questions.
The feedback from participants was excellent and highlighted the value of our school-led approach. One attendee said: “It was great and you shared so much… the sense they get of support and belonging really builds their commitment to our schools.”
Another visitor praised the quality of PSHE provision at Christ Church, saying: “It was so evident what a high standard PSHE is at Christ Church – with the children clearly able to recall what they’d learnt over multiple years.”
As a result of our Strengthening PSHE in Schools Initiative, we are delighted to have seen increased confidence among new PSHE leaders, greater curriculum innovation in participating schools and stronger professional networks across Camden.
It has also been very encouraging to see ECTs (early career teachers) reporting improved understanding of PSHE and greater confidence when they have to address sensitive topics in the classroom.
It has been a privilege to lead on this project which has clearly demonstrated the impact school-based expertise can have when combined with collaboration among colleagues across the borough.
By sharing effective practice, providing tailored support and creating opportunities for professional learning, the initiative has helped ensure that PSHE remains relevant, inclusive and impactful for pupils across Camden.
