PSHE at Sowing Seeds.
At Sowing Seeds Alternative Learning, our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum lies at the heart of our mission to nurture confident, compassionate, and resilient young people.
Our PSHE provision is designed to empower every pupil with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives — both now and in the future. Our curriculum is rooted in empathy, understanding, and therapeutic practice. The vision of Sowing Seeds is to help every child and young person develop their own “wellbeing toolbox” — a set of skills to support independent emotional regulation, social communication, and positive coping strategies.
We believe that a rich and engaging PSHE curriculum is fundamental to holistic development. It enables pupils to navigate personal challenges, build positive relationships, and engage confidently in their communities. Our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum for PSHE and the Independent School Standards (ISS), ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential life skills and personal growth.
Our Approach
Our approach to PSHE is gentle, empathetic, and highly responsive to individual needs.
We foster self-awareness, self-esteem, and respect, providing a safe and nurturing environment for every learner — particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
We deliver PSHE through carefully structured, accessible lessons and real-life experiences that promote confidence, participation, and enjoyment, while reducing anxiety and barriers to learning.
Principles and Core Intent of Our PSHE Curriculum
Cultivate Self-Awareness and Resilience
Pupils learn to understand their emotions, recognise their strengths, and build emotional resilience. They develop independence in managing feelings and identifying healthy coping strategies.
Promote Healthy and Respectful Relationships
Learners are equipped with the skills to form and sustain positive, respectful relationships, understanding diversity and challenging discrimination. We ensure that all pupils learn to respect themselves and others, in line with the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 (ISS Part 1 (2)(d)(ii)).
Ensure Safety and Wellbeing
Pupils gain essential knowledge about physical and mental health, personal safety, and managing risk. They are encouraged to make informed choices and know when and how to seek support — especially in light of previous lived experiences or exposure to negative influences.
Develop Responsible Citizenship and British Values
Our PSHE curriculum promotes understanding of rights, responsibilities, and community participation, alongside the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance (ISS Part 2 (5)(a)).
This prepares pupils for life in modern British society (ISS Part 1 (2)(i)).
Foster Economic Understanding
Pupils are introduced to the basics of financial literacy, enterprise, and employability, preparing them for independent living and future career pathways.
Ensure Accessibility and Engagement
Learning experiences are carefully designed to minimise anxiety, maximise engagement, and celebrate success — enabling pupils with SEND and EBSA to participate confidently and meaningfully.
Prepare for Future Pathways
Our PSHE curriculum lays the foundation for continued personal and vocational development. Through ASDAN programmes and practical life-skills learning, pupils gain a tangible “toolbox for life” that supports future independence.
Promote Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development
PSHE actively supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development (ISS Part 2 (5)), helping them grow personally, socially, and economically within a caring and inclusive school community.
Meeting the Needs of Every Learner
At the heart of Sowing Seeds Alternative Learning is a belief that every child can thrive when provided with the right environment, relationships, and opportunities. Through our personalised approach, we cultivate a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope — empowering each learner to take confident steps toward their next stage of education, training, or employment.