RHE at Hillcrest 

At Hillcrest Early Years Academy, our Relationships and Health Education (RHE) curriculum is designed to help every child develop the knowledge, understanding, confidence and character needed to lead safe, healthy and happy lives. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum from Nursery to Year 2, children learn how to understand themselves, build positive relationships, manage emotions, celebrate differences and make safe choices.

We recognise that strong relationships are at the heart of learning and wellbeing. Our curriculum enables children to develop a secure sense of self, understand their place within their family, school and wider community, and appreciate that every individual is unique and valued. Through explicit teaching, discussion, reflection and real-life experiences, children learn to communicate effectively, show empathy, resolve conflict respectfully and develop positive friendships.

Children are taught the importance of physical, emotional and online safety through age-appropriate learning about trusted adults, personal boundaries, feelings, safe and unsafe situations, keeping healthy and seeking help when needed. We want every child to know that their voice matters, that they have the right to feel safe, and that there are always trusted people who will listen and support them.

The curriculum is underpinned by our MAGIC Values:

Memories – creating meaningful experiences and relationships that help children understand themselves, their families, their communities and the world around them.

Ambitious Aspirations – encouraging children to dream big, believe in themselves, persevere through challenges and recognise their potential.

Growth – developing emotional resilience, self-awareness and a positive mindset that embraces learning, change and personal development.

Independence – enabling children to make responsible choices, manage their wellbeing, express their views confidently and become active participants in their own learning and safety.

Courage – empowering children to speak up, seek help when needed, stand up for themselves and others, and make the right choices even when situations are challenging.

Through the six progressive themes of Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me, children develop the knowledge and life skills needed to flourish both now and in the future. They learn that healthy relationships are built on kindness, trust and respect; that differences should be celebrated; that everyone has rights and responsibilities; and that making mistakes, facing challenges and experiencing change are all part of growing up.

Ultimately, our ambition is for every child to leave Hillcrest as a confident, resilient and caring young person who understands how to keep themselves safe, build positive relationships, contribute positively to their community and live out our MAGIC values every day.