Being a New PSHE Education Coordinator
What Is PSHE Education and Why Does It Matter?
Being a new lead for any subject is a challenge but the role of PSHE education coordinator can often feel overwhelming initially.
Firstly, what does it mean? PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic, therefore we really should add the word ‘education’ after ‘PSHE’ for the title to make sense.
PSHE education includes all of the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance and also learning about careers and financial capability. PSHE education not only includes teaching the knowledge pupils need to make healthy and safe choices but essential life skills and should also inform the attitudes that guide pupils’ choices. The PSHE Association says:
“Personal, Social, Health and Economic education is a school curriculum subject in England that helps children and young people stay healthy, safe and prepared for life – and work – in modern Britain.”
Understanding the Role of a PSHE Education Coordinator
So, what does the role of PSHE education coordinator involve? The primary purpose of the PSHE education coordinator is to oversee the development and implementation of the PSHE curriculum. Ensuring that the curriculum addresses key areas such as mental health, relationships, physical health, and economic wellbeing. The coordinator works to integrate these topics into the broader school ethos and curriculum, promoting students' personal and social development.
PSHE Education and Safeguarding in Schools
PSHE education plays a crucial role in safeguarding. It is the tool by which pupils learn how to recognise and navigate online and offline risks, of which there are too many to list here. It teaches pupils how to look after themselves whilst building respectful and fulfilling relationships and to know what to do when they are worried or hurt by someone else.
There are many links with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025’ and the Schools Inspection Toolkit.
Where to Start as a New PSHE Coordinator
The breadth and importance of PSHE Education can therefore feel quite overwhelming to a new PSHE education coordinator.
So, where to start?
1. Get up to speed
Start by reading the school’s current PSHE education schemes of work and related policies. Familiarise yourself with your curriculum; what is taught, when and why?
2. Listening to Pupils and Staff: Building a Responsive Curriculum
Speak to the pupils – Do they enjoy PSHE education? What is working well? What else would they like to know about?
Consult staff about their experiences of teaching PSHE education; How confident do they feel about teaching PSHE education? What resources / training might they need?
3. Key Resources and Statutory Guidance
Become familiar with the statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance and also the PSHE Association programme of study. Look for the strengths of your PSHE education programme and areas that might need to be developed.
These initial steps will give you a starting point and ideas that you can then use to form a development plan.
There are lots of resources available to support you in your new role and the first place to look is the PSHE Association. Their website provides an entire range of curriculum resources, planning and auditing documentation and guidance to help you to effectively lead PSHE education in your school. Some resources are freely available, and others accessed by buying a membership.
Leading with Empathy and Vision
Remember you were chosen for this role because someone saw your potential to lead with empathy, integrity, and vision. You are going to make a real difference—but take it one step at a time and ask if you get stuck!
Training for new PSHE education coordinators
Education North Tyneside are delivering training for new PSHE education coordinators on Thursday 29th January, 1pm -4pm.
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