The RESPECT Curriculum at Ordsall Primary School

At Ordsall Primary School, the RESPECT Curriculum is a school-specific, pupil-focused approach that supports children to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to Play, Learn and Grow Together respectfully and safely.

The RESPECT Curriculum enhances and supports statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and is delivered alongside learning through circle time, assemblies and whole-school events. It responds directly to the contextual safeguarding needs of our pupils, school community and the wider world.

Underpinned by British Values and our school values, the RESPECT Curriculum supports pupils to develop emotional awareness, positive mental health, respectful relationships and the confidence to act as responsible citizens.

What the RESPECT Curriculum Includes

The RESPECT Curriculum brings together several interconnected strands of learning, including:

• Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

• Circle time, used to teach:

  • emotional regulation through the Zones of Regulation

  • contextualised safeguarding, based on issues most relevant to our school community

  • anti-racism education

• School values education, rooted in our RESPECT values:

  • Resilience – developing perseverance, self-belief and the ability to manage challenge

  • Effort – understanding the importance of trying our best and taking pride in learning

  • Support – learning how to give and seek help, and to look out for others

  • Passion – developing curiosity, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to learning

  • Enrichment – valuing experiences that broaden understanding and aspiration

  • Compassion – showing kindness, empathy and care for others

  • Teamwork – learning to work cooperatively and respectfully with others

• Explicit teaching about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)

• Learning through assemblies, visitors and whole-school events

Together, these elements ensure pupils experience a coherent, preventative and inclusive curriculum that places wellbeing, safety and respect at its core.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

RSHE forms a core and statutory part of the RESPECT Curriculum.

Through RSHE, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence they need to:

• build healthy, respectful relationships

• understand physical and mental health

• recognise and manage risk

• understand consent, boundaries, rights and responsibilities

• make informed choices

• know how and when to seek help

We follow statutory RSHE guidance, with a clear ambition that pupils leave Ordsall able to apply their learning appropriately in real-life situations as they grow in independence.

What the RESPECT Curriculum Develops

Through progressive, inclusive and age-appropriate learning, pupils:

• develop emotional literacy, emotional intelligence and self-regulation strategies

• are kept safe through proactive, preventative safeguarding education

• learn how to live respectfully within a diverse society

• build the knowledge, language and confidence to act as responsible citizens

• are prepared for increasing independence, both now and in the future

How the RESPECT Curriculum Enhances RSHE

The RESPECT Curriculum strengthens and contextualises RSHE by responding directly to:

• local contextual risks and pupil needs

• whole-school safeguarding priorities, contributing to a strong safeguarding culture

• current thinking around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, anti-racism and relational safety

• trauma-informed, preventative education that reduces harm, including risks related to grooming, domestic abuse and exploitation

• the national direction of travel towards stronger citizenship education

This ensures RSHE learning is relevant, protective and responsive rather than isolated or abstract.

Curriculum Sequencing and Implementation

Sequencing within the RESPECT Curriculum is intentional, preventative and developmental.

• Emotional regulation is taught first, enabling pupils to manage emotions and engage positively in learning and relationships.

• Key knowledge is introduced before periods of increased independence or known seasonal and social risks.

• Learning builds cumulatively from Early Years to Year 6, supporting increasing maturity, confidence and independence.

Curriculum strands are taught concurrently and reinforced through assemblies, visitors and whole-school events, reflecting the understanding that emotional regulation, safety, respect and citizenship are interconnected and equally valued.

Teaching and Learning Approach

Teaching within the RESPECT Curriculum is underpinned by the following principles:

• All feelings are valid, and pupils are supported to understand, name and manage emotions safely and appropriately.

• Learning takes place in a calm, respectful and supportive environment, free from fear, judgement or shame.

• Teaching is trauma-informed and protective, prioritising trusted relationships and strong safeguarding foundations.

• The curriculum actively reduces silence and stigma, enabling pupils to ask questions, seek help and talk about concerns with confidence.

• Teaching and materials promote British Values, Protected Characteristics and Ordsall’s RESPECT values, are inclusive and accurate, and actively challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.

• Staff maintain clear professional boundaries, model respectful behaviour and respond appropriately to disclosures, ensuring safeguarding procedures are consistently followed.

Thinking and Acting Responsibly

Across the RESPECT Curriculum, pupils are taught to think and act responsibly by learning how to:

• recognise safe and unsafe situations

• make informed choices and understand consequences

• communicate feelings, boundaries and consent clearly

• seek support from trusted adults and appropriate services

• understand rights, responsibilities and the role of laws in protecting people

Disciplinary language within the RESPECT Curriculum is closely linked to the actions and safeguarding behaviours pupils are learning to carry out. This language is introduced early and revisited regularly so pupils can explain concerns clearly and act appropriately when needed.

Inclusion and Impact

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils can access and benefit from the RESPECT Curriculum. Teaching is adapted to support individual needs without lowering expectations, and sensitive topics are handled carefully, respectfully and in line with statutory guidance.

By the end of Year 6, pupils are confident in managing relationships, understanding risk and knowing how to seek help for themselves or others. They demonstrate respectful behaviour, emotional awareness and readiness for secondary school and increased independence.