At Summerhill, our approach to Relationship, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) is designed to promote emotional, social, and cultural development of pupils. The curriculum has a wide spectrum, including understanding relationships, promoting sexual health, and advocating healthy lifestyles.

At the core of RSHE lies a well-rounded integration of termly informative sessions and exploratory discussions, grounded in our unique approach which is incorporated in the community life, emphasising the development of respect for others, self-awareness, and the comprehension of boundaries. The daily exposure to conflict resolution, facilitated through our meeting process and ombudsman cases, contributes significantly to this developmental aspect.

Childhood development at Summerhill is characterised by instilling a sense of self-confidence through the establishment and maintenance of personal boundaries. This self-assurance becomes an integral asset influencing various aspects of a child’s future life.

Online safety and aspects of relationships are addressed through dedicated online safety chats, RSHE sessions, school meetings and age-appropriate literature and resources are readily available in houseparent rooms and the school library. A comprehensive record of the curriculum delivery methods is maintained. Emphasising a progressive attitude towards sex education, we believe in creating an environment where sex is not a taboo subject, encouraging children to discuss it when they feel prepared.

Our school policy underscores supportiveness, offering advice, and providing information about sex and sexuality when needed. We aim to create an atmosphere where children feel comfortable and supported, promoting an environment where open communication can occur, especially when addressing sexual inquiries.

The RSHE curriculum is aligned with both school policy and DfE statutory guidance on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education for RSHE.

Our discussions are designed to be inclusive and safe spaces where pupils can freely ask questions. An anonymous question box is incorporated to facilitate unnamed queries, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to seek information without reservation.

Benefiting from the advantages of residing in a small community where interpersonal relationships are well-established, discussions remain sensitive and developmentally appropriate for all. The curriculum outline undergoes an annual review considering all aspects from the previous year.

Parents are proactively informed about the content of these discussions at least two weeks in advance, enabling them to review and consult with the school if desired more information. This commitment ensures transparency and collaboration between the school and parents in cultivating a comprehensive RSHE program.

• Families and people who care for me
• Caring friendships
• Respectful relationships
• Consent in play
• The human body, including differences and how they change when we grow
• Healthy bodies and hygiene
• Movement and what we eat
• Healthy minds
• Online relationships – IT

• Families and people who care for me
• Respectful relationships, including friendships
• Consent and boundaries
• The body; changes through puberty and hygiene
• Female cycle; Periods and sanitary products
• How to take care of our bodies: Exercise and nutrition
• Mental health
• Online and the media – IT

• Healthy relationships
• Being safe, including methods of contraception
• Stereotypes
• The law
• Consent
• Readiness
• Smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs
• Taking care of your mind and body. Exercise and nutrition
• Online and Social Media – IT

• Healthy relationships, staying safe
• Being safe, including sexual health and contraception
• The law
• Consent
• Healthy, happy, intimate and sexual relationships
• Smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs
• Taking care of your mind and body. Exercise and nutrition
• Online relationships – IT