An updated RHSE curriculum? Great! What do I need to do?
In our previous PSHE blog, we outlined some of the changes the DfE have put forward for the new 2026 PSHE curriculum, specifically RHSE. From reading the new guidance ourselves, the tone seems positive, with a focus on children’s real lives and the issues they are currently facing and are expected to face as they grow up and experience the wider world.
As the new requirements begins to trickle down, we’d like to share some tips and guidance on how you can make the changes simply and effectively, ready for the next academic year.
- Review and update your RSHE policy
- The DfE states that all schools must have an up-to-date written policy for relationships education, and if they teach sex education, it must also include RSE. When updating the policy, engage with and consult your parents so they recognise the importance of RHSE within their child’s education.
- Ensure the new policy encompasses all the expanded content areas.
- Be sure to differentiate clearly between relationships and sex education.
- Review and Revise the RSHE curriculum
- That bit is easy! If you’re a 3D PSHE subscriber, you won’t need to lift a finger! We’re working hard to update and revise our 3D PSHE curriculum to meet all the new requirements!
- The new curriculum will be carefully sequenced and focused on building positive skills and attitudes, as outlined by the DfE.
- The curriculum updates will be relevant and responsive, with careful consideration of age and stage appropriateness. Schools themselves will still need to review the curriculum and consider their own pupils when teaching some of the more age-sensitive material.
- Engage and Communicate with Parents
- Transparency is key. Clear communication with your parents and their engagement with the content of the new RHSE curriculum is important. Remember, all materials should be available to parents, if requested.
- Consider the whole school approach
- The new curriculum updates should not be thought of as an isolated change. Do the changes have an impact on how to approach the teaching of wellbeing and positive relationships generally? Do your other policies, such as behaviour or safeguarding, need updating to align with the new changes?
Remember, these changes do not need to happen immediately! No need for a knee-jerk reaction! Begin by looking at your current policies, discuss the changes with your staff and start to engage your parents. The updates are beneficial for everyone, and with a steady approach, they should feel seamless!ryone, and with a steady approach, they should feel seamless!
Click here to read the full RSHE statutory guidance.
Click here to visit our 3D PSHE Page.