Primary Focus

What actually needs to be taught in primary RSE - and what’s optional?In this episode of Primary Focus, we tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in primary education: the difference between puberty education and sex education.Because they’re often blurred together, it can create confusion for schools, staff, and parents - especially when it comes to what is statutory in RSE and what isn’t.Together, they unpack:- What must be taught in primary schools- What schools can choose to include- How the science curriculum overlaps with RSE- Why parents sometimes misunderstand their right to withdraw- What age-appropriate sex education actually looks like in Year 5/6- How to build staff confidence when teaching sensitive topicsLearn more about our panel:👉 Rebecca Jennings - RSE Consultant for Schools, RAISEhttps://www.raiseeducation.org.uk/👉 Russell Stanley - PSHE/RSHE Consultant, Health and Wellbeing in Schools LTDhttps://www.schoolhwb.co.uk/👉 Zoė Higgins - RSE & PSHE Lead, Kapow PrimaryThe episode also explores practical classroom strategies, including:- Using correct scientific vocabulary (and why it matters)- Creating safe discussion spaces with clear ground rules- Handling tricky questions with confidence- Whether to teach in mixed or single-sex groupsIn this video:00:00 - Introductions01:12 - Defining Puberty vs. Sex Education04:13 - School Policies and Parent Engagement07:02 - Foundational Learning in Key Stage 108:17 - Using Correct Terminology14:43 - Teacher Preparation and Confidence19:14 - Helping Pupils Feel Comfortable26:52 - Grouping Strategies (Single-sex vs. Mixed-sex)30:37 - Final Advice and Conclusionprimary RSE, puberty education, sex education primary, statutory RSE, PSHE primary, RSHE UK, teaching puberty KS2, year 5 RSE, safeguarding schools, teacher podcast UK

In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore the updated RSHE guidance for 2025 and beyond, and what upcoming changes mean for primary schools. We look at how schools can build transparent, trusting relationships with parents while delivering a clear and confident RSHE curriculum.Experts Rebecca Jennings and Russell Stanley break down:- what RSHE actually means in practice- the legal right for parents to view RSHE curriculum materials- how RSHE supports safeguarding in primary schools- practical strategies for communicating sensitive topics with confidenceLearn more about our panel:👉 Rebecca Jennings - RSE Consultant for Schools, RAISEhttps://www.raiseeducation.org.uk/👉 Russell Stanley - PSHE/RSHE Consultant, Health and Wellbeing in Schools LTDhttps://www.schoolhwb.co.uk/👉 Zoė Higgins - RSE & PSHE Lead, Kapow Primary🔔 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders.New episodes released fortnightly!📩 Get practical RSHE guidance and new episodes straight to your inbox:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/28FIbNjIeQN2kU3h4RF0mLgIn this video:00:00 - Introductions01:36 - New legal rights and curriculum transparency02:43 - Key updates: Digital safety and personal hazards04:56 - How RSHE supports school safeguarding08:10 - Formal consultation vs. everyday engagement11:00 - Giving parents a voice in the curriculum13:06 - Taking the "awkwardness" out of sex education16:31 - Tips for the classroom: "Ask-it baskets" and ground rules18:42 - Building staff confidence and using consistent words20:15 - Running successful parent meetings23:03 - Agreed vocabulary as a "safety net"25:01 - Making the curriculum work for your school27:57 - Closing the loop with Parent FAQs29:56 - Final advice for schools right nowRSHE 2025 | RSHE guidance | RSHE curriculum | what is RSHE | what does RSHE stand for | primary school RSHE | UK RSHE 2026 | RSHE statutory changes 2026 | Parental engagement

Media literacy is becoming an essential part of primary education - but what does it actually mean, and how can schools approach it with confidence?In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore one big question: What is media literacy and how do we prepare childrenDrawing on classroom experience and curriculum expertise, this conversation breaks down what media literacy looks like in a primary context - and how it can be embedded meaningfully without adding to workload.In this episode, we discuss:what media literacy means (beyond online safety)how children are engaging with content earlier than eversimple ways to build critical thinking in the classroomhow it links across subjects like English, History and Sciencepractical strategies teachers can use straight awayThis episode is designed to support teachers and school leaders looking to build confident, thoughtful approaches to media literacy - helping children navigate the world around them with curiosity and care.Featuring:Helen Mulley - Education Specialist and Communications ConsultantAdam Sumner - Curriculum Designer at Kapow PrimarySarah Johnson - Senior Marketing Executive at Kapow Primary🔔 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly!📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/...Content in this video:00:00 – Introduction1:57 – Defining media literacy04:17 – Media literacy within the National Curriculum06:37 – Navigating the challenges of an unregulated onlinelandscape09:49 – Identifying motivations: Algorithms, misinformation, and critical questioning15:13 – Scaffolding media literacy skills18:56 – Applying critical thinking to AI-generated content and historic media24:02 – Practical classroom strategies30:04 – Final summary - key to strong media literacy

Supporting teacher wellbeing isn’t just important for staff - it directly impacts the experience pupils have in the classroom.In this episode of Primary Focus, the team at Kapow Primary reflect on their own time in primary teaching and explore one big question:What really supports teacher wellbeing - and what makes the biggest difference day to day?Drawing on their experiences across classrooms and leadership roles, they share honest reflections on what helped their wellbeing, what made things harder, and what schools can do to create environments where teachers - and pupils - can thrive.In this episode, we discuss:why teacher wellbeing matters for children’s learningwhat positive school culture looks like in practicehow leadership decisions can strengthen (or strain) staff moralepractical habits that helped us manage workload and pressuresmall changes that can make a big difference🔔 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly!📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://2ev7d5.share-eu1.hsforms.com/28FIbNjIeQN2kU3h4RF0mLgIn this video:00:04 - Introduction01:26 - Stress and burnout experiences 04:13 - What does wellbeing actually mean?06:24 - Experiences with senior leadership team (SLT)08:45 - The balance of responsibility (Leadership and teachers)11:12 - School culture and perception13:18 - How to support wellbeing15:53 - The important of modelling wellbeing18:46 - Key takeaway to support teacher wellbeing

Explore what really matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - from those first days in Reception to supporting children as they transition into Year One.What does school readiness actually mean? Should children be ready for school - or should schools be ready for childrenDrawing on classroom experience and leadership insight, the panel discusses:What school readiness really means (and common misconceptions)Why play is essential for learning - not just a “nice extra”The importance of oracy and language-rich environmentsSupporting children’s transition from Reception into Year OnePractical advice for EYFS teachers and school leadersFeaturing:Sophie Pickles – Education Consultant and Early Years specialistGeorge Simmonds – Cluster Lead, Kapow PrimaryYvette Zinger-Gothelf – Content Creator, Kapow Primary🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly!Never miss an episode — subscribe:🔔 Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resourceshttps://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletterContent in this video:00.00 - 2.25 Introduction and big question2.25 - 5.24 The challenges of Reception5.24 - 8.16 What is school readiness?8.16 - 14.58 Transitioning from EYFS to Year One14.48 - 17.46 Creating a welcome and inclusive EYFS classroom17.46 - 22.03 Advice for new EYFS teachers and educators21.39 - 23.12 What is key to giving children the best start?

Conversations about diversity in primary education can feel daunting - especially when teachers want to do the right thing but aren’t sure where to start.In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore one big question:What does diversity, equity and inclusion look like in primary schools?Drawing on classroom experience and specialist expertise, the conversation focuses on taking the fear out of DEI and grounding it in everyday practice. You’ll hear practical ideas for embedding inclusive approaches across the curriculum, handling sensitive conversations, and reflecting the communities children belong to - and those they don’t yet see.Featuring:Khatija Shakir – Kapow PrimaryRosa Legeno-Bell – Director, Diverse History UKKaytie Holdstock – Primary Art Specialist, University of Worcester🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly during term time.📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletterIn this video:00:00 – Introduction01:28 – Why teachers can feel unsure about DEI05:36 – What do diversity, equity and inclusion really mean?08:05 – Practical ways to embed DEI across the curriculum14:45 – Teaching DEI in less diverse school communities18:16 – Moving beyond DEI to anti-racism20:24 – Handling sensitive or challenging conversations in the classroom26:26 – Top tips for building confident, inclusive practice29:19 – Decolonising the curriculum: what it looks like in practice30:41 – Final reflections and key takeaways

AI is showing up more and more in schools - but many teachers are still unsure what it actually means for teaching and learning.In this episode, we explore one big question: Where does AI belong in primary education?The conversation looks at:why AI has become such a big topic in educationthe concerns and hesitations many teachers are feelinghow AI is already being used in schoolswhat pupils need to learn about AI and digital literacyrealistic ways teachers can start exploring AIThe episode explores AI in education in the UK and what it means in practice for primary schools.Featuring:Miles Berry (Professor of Computing Education, University of Roehampton)Sophia Elhamid (Computing Content Creator, Kapow Primary)Adam Sumner (Curriculum Designer, Kapow Primary)Have your say! How is your school using AI?⁠Facebook⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly.Never miss an episode - subscribe:🔔 Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resourceshttps://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletterContent in this video - 00:00 - Introduction01:26 - Why is AI a huge discussion point03:36 - Three dimensions of AI in schools05:47 - The problem of hallucination and critical thinking10:24 - Teacher concerns and professional development13:02 - Practical strategies for getting started with AI16:00 - Accountability, safety and AI in the classroom17:50 - AI education for children26:35 - Progression and embedding AI across the curriculum30:15 - Getting started with AI32.22 - Final thoughts and key takeaways

Oracy is more than speaking - it’s about helping pupils communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. In this episode, our panel unpack what oracy really means, why it matters, and how teachers can build oracy into everyday classroom practice.Meet the panel:Neil Mercer - Director, Oracy CambridgeCaroline Hall - Head of Curriculum Design, Kapow PrimaryMarie Thornby - Pedagogy Lead, Kapow PrimaryHave your say! How does your school teach oracy?FacebookX/TwitterInstagramLinkedInExplore more:📘 Neil's new book: Oracy🎓 New course from Oracy Cambridge: Implementing Oracy 2026🔔 Never miss an episode! Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resources.