FIRST EVER NATIONAL SUBJECT ASSOCIATION FOR PSHE

08 June 2006

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis today announced the creation of the first National Subject Association for PSHE. This is a substantial boost for the subject, bringing it into line with other curriculum subjects, all of which have their own associations.

The association will provide a central support network for teachers of PSHE, giving them a focal point to receive advice, gather and share examples of good practice and promote existing guidance.

DfES is supporting the establishment of the Association with up to £200,000 and has appointed Jan Campbell to lead the initial work. Jan has considerable experience of working in schools and local government as well as nationally for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

The government wants to enhance provision of good quality PSHE in schools and in addition to the subject association we are looking to develop the PSHE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificate programme and to strengthen its links with Higher Education.

Through a process of consultation DfES will be reviewing the current standards within the CPD programme to better reflect recent policy developments and to respond to feedback received from those currently involved in the programme. The new PSHE subject association will be closely involved in the certificate’s on-going development.

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said:

“I am delighted to announce the creation of the first ever national subject association for PSHE. Good quality PSHE teaching is essential for our pupils, helping to keep then safe and healthy, which is why it is so important that our teachers gain as much support and continuing professional development as possible. The new subject association and CPD certificate in PSHE are essential elements of this support.

“In addition to the new subject association we are raising the status and quality of PSHE through our Healthy Schools Programme. One of the four key criteria for achieving healthy school status relates directly to the quality of PSHE provision and we are investing over £12 million this year to support this initiative.”

Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'

1. A feasibility report prepared by NCB and commissioned by DfES into the PSHE Subject Association and based on over 600 responses – mainly teachers – backed the idea of establishing a subject association.
2. The new subject association will work closely with the existing organisations such as NHEG and NSCoPSE. While their membership will continue to reflect the key LA adviser role, the new subject association will have a focus on supporting teachers in the classroom and will work closely with the existing adviser organisations.
3.  
4. Teachers can register their interest by emailing pshe.team@dfes.gsi.gov.uk.
5. PSHE is taught at all key stages (ages 5-16) through a non-statutory framework introduced in 2000. PSHE contains a wide range of topics ranging from sex and relationship education (SRE) and drug education through to safety and financial capability. Sex education and drug education have a statutory basis in National Curriculum Science but are most often delivered in PSHE as this allows pupils to explore skills and attitudes as well as acquiring knowledge.
6. Overall themes of PSHE are to give pupils knowledge, skills and understanding to lead confident, healthy and independent lives and become informed, active, responsible citizens.
7.  
8. PSHE and Citizenship are delivered through a single non-statutory framework at primary level

Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

Press Notice 2006/0084