Personal development Campaign
Overview
We are campaigning to make the case for a change in Department for Education (DfE) policy on personal development in schools with regard to curriculum, assessment and teacher training.
A specific, and initial (workable) policy ask, has been identified to introduce a one-hour test of children’s personal development knowledge towards the end of primary and secondary school.
This would give teachers personal development data, which does not currently exist, before children transition in Year 6 and Year 11, and help them to address gaps in knowledge for individuals/groups and sharpen the focus of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education.
The outcome would be more effective education (especially in primary schools) and, through earlier and better targeted intervention, the potential to impact on major societal challenges and related government spend in the longer term.
To achieve maximum results for children, schools require additional funding to train staff effectively and to provide access to high-quality resources, ensuring an enriched learning environment for all pupils.
Bridging the gap
Rationale
There is currently no way of formally and consistently assessing children’s knowledge of personal development, for example through SATs, at the key stages of their education.
In response, passionate provides of PSHE resources have created a draft, 1decision has created a draft ‘Personal Development Transition Quiz’, which allows schools to quickly assess and gather data on their pupils’ knowledge through a sequence of multiple-choice questions.
These questions cover 12 areas of personal development, closely linked to PSHE and RSHE.
This software allows schools to filter the results to support them in assessing the gaps. Data can be filtered by groups such as pupil premium, SEN and other.
In the news every day
What is the Cost?
One example, in the 12 months up to March 2024, knife crime rose by 4% and police in England and Wales recorded 50,510 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument.
Prison costs to house criminals found guilty of knife crime is approximately £40,000 per year, per person.
This, added to the monetary costs for police investigation, courthouses, counselling and mental health, as well as human costs around loss of life, impact on family and friends and the wider community really builds up.
Additionally, child mental health statistics from 2023 also show a worrying 53% rise in child emergency referrals, with reports that over 600 children a week are seeking crisis support.
The challenge of childhood obesity is another pressing public health concern for the UK. According to Public Health England, 23.4% of children in Year 6 are obese.
Diabetes currently costs the NHS £14 billion per year (£25,000 a minute). 90% of this is spent on the treatment of diabetes type 2; the preventable type.
The impact of obesity on children’s physical and mental health will inevitably lead to future costs. In terms of the PSHE community, we have seen a hugely positive push for more education on healthy nutrition in schools.
From Jamie Oliver’s Healthy School Foods Awards to encouraging good mental health, we believe the holistic approach is making a real difference to our pupils’ overall health and wellbeing. But in both these cases, and others, more early education for children from primary school age is needed, including additional focused lessons.
Schools play a pivotal role in nurturing children and shaping the future of our society. By enhancing their focus on personal development, schools can equip pupils with essential skills, including conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and self-care.
This foundation not only boosts self-esteem and confidence but also diminishes anxiety and fosters healthier relationships. Moreover, a better understanding of nutrition contributes to overall well-being.
With a comprehensive approach to personal development, schools can make a significant long-term impact on societal issues. However, to effectively tailor these educational initiatives, schools require relevant data.
Additionally, schools require more time in the curriculum and more funding. In 2013, The PE and Sport Premium was introduced as part of the UK government’s School Sport and Activity Action Plan, designed to improve the quality of PE activity, and sports in primary schools across Britain. This continues to have a positive impact on schools around the country. Introducing a similar approach to personal development can only result in enhanced overall pupil well-being and will ultimately increase academic outcomes too.
The personal development transition test could also support schools in meeting Ofsted grade descriptors on schools’ intent to provide for the personal development of all pupils, and the quality with which they implement this work.
key outcomes
It is Possible
Data-Driven Approach
We don’t just talk; we measure progress to achieve maximum outcomes for children
Bridging the Gap
We provide opportunities to close the gaps for some of our most vulnerable groups
It is Not Science
We all agree there is work to do. Together we can build stronger communities