In recent years PSHE education has increased in importance and in this blog we will be considering how this impacts on the selection of a subject leader.

Why is PSHE education more important than ever?

• Relationships (Sex) and Health education (RSHE) are statutory in all schools.

• RSHE and PSHE education make a significant contribution to Personal Development and Wellbeing in the Ofsted toolkit.

• PSHE education is a vital part of an effective culture of safeguarding in school.

Most importantly children and young people are navigating a changing and challenging world. High-quality PSHE education supports them to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make informed choices and keep themselves safe and healthy.

What are the key responsibilities of the PSHE education subject leader?

The subject leader should ensure that:-

• They are up to date with the latest requirements and developments in the subject.

• Policies are up to date, meet legal requirements and reflect practice in school.

• Long term planning meets the needs of the school community and supports quality teaching.

• Resources are fit for purpose and support the school aims including inclusion and equality.

• PSHE education supports and enhances safeguarding across school.

• Staff feel confident delivering all PSHE education lessons including those which are potentially sensitive and controversial.

• Parents and carers understand PSHE education in school and their role in it.

• The quality of PSHE education is monitored and evaluated.

• PSHE education supports and makes a strong contribution to wider Personal Development and Wellbeing.

When you think about all these aspects it is important to consider who takes on the responsibility of leading PSHE education. Sometimes in schools it is seen as a ‘easy’ subject for someone to take on as their first subject leadership role. I would suggest, based on the above, this is not the case and that in fact you need to ensure the person leading has the following:-

Experience of teaching PSHE education across a range of ages.

Knowledge of the subject including pedagogy and curriculum content.

Status in school to develop the subject and have an impact.

Confidence to deal with challenges including from parents and carers.

Time to devote to leading the subject.

Understanding of the wider context of inclusion, safeguarding and Personal Development and Wellbeing.

The above is certainly what should happen in an ideal world and schools should carefully consider this. However, it is recognised there are barriers which may stop a school achieving this. If this is the case and you need to appoint someone who does not fit the above, consider the following to support them:-

• Have a member of the senior leadership team who oversees this area and supports the subject leader.

• Provide a subject leader mentor who can help develop leadership skills.

• Develop a team to lead PSHE education

• Provide effective training both initially and in the longer term.

• Give additional time for them to develop their role.

• Look for mentoring support from other schools or outside experts.

Questions to reflect on

Senior leaders

Has this blog raised any concerns for you?

What additional support might you need to provide?

PSHE Subject Leader

Has this blog raised any concerns for you?

What support might you need?

How are you going to get the support you need?

Further support

If you have any questions or need any support, please get in touch.

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