Jigsaw PSHE

At Woodford Primary we have introduced a whole school PSHE scheme called Jigsaw. This combines PSHE, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. 

Jigsaw is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each Puzzle to start with an introductory assembly, generating a whole school focus for adults and children alike.  Jigsaw aims to help children know and value who they really are and how they relate to other people in this ever-changing world.

There are six Puzzles (half-term units of work) each with six Pieces (lessons). Every year group studies the same Puzzle at the same time, allowing for whole school themes. Each year group is taught one lesson per week and all lessons are delivered in an age and stage-appropriate way so that they meet the children’s needs.

The different puzzle pieces over the year are:

More detail and a further breakdown of the structure of your child’s PSHE and learning through the Jigsaw scheme is as follows:

• Establishing safe environments within the classroom and school building.
• Connecting with friends and adults.
• Belonging and feeling safe at school.
• Managing worries and fears.
• Being positive and looking forward to learning.
• Gratitude and appreciation.
• Loss and bereavement.

1. Routine

Jigsaw lessons all follow the same structure and routine, giving a clear sense of predictability (and therefore hopefully security too). The structure takes account of the learning process:

Jigsaw Charter

– Connect us (an inclusive whole-class game building social skills)

– Calm me (mindfulness practice using the Jigsaw chime and breathing techniques)

– Open my mind (to the essence of the learning about to happen)

– Tell me/show me (introduction to new information or skill)

– Let me learn (learning activities to make the learning my own)

– Help me reflect (on my learning progress and my emotional learning this lesson)

Jigsaw lessons also enable self-regulation and pupil voice, asking for help and knowing how to express emotions are givens throughout Jigsaw. The pupil tracking process flags up those in need of emotional or pastoral support.

2. Relevance

The Jigsaw lessons give safe and structured opportunities for children to talk about their experiences and to deal with the emotions they may experience and need to express and understand. The shivery worries and popcorn activities enable this in a non-threatening way, giving space and the calm inner environment for learning to happen within.

3. Relationships

All of the above, however, needs underpinning by quality relationships between the adults and children, children and children, and adults and adults across the school community.

There are lessons and activities throughout Jigsaw’s six-session unit, ‘Relationships’ in every year group, that help to support and foster positive relationships.

Each lesson encourages a circle time, be it in differing ways for different sessions or year groups, and it is an essential part of building confidence and trust in self and others. The Jigsaw friends, integral to Jigsaw, offer a comforting hug during these activities.