Teach Difficult Topics Safely and Sensitively in PSHE

Plenty of teachers would rather skip the PSHE lesson on self-harm or eating disorders. The worry is always the same: what if I say something that hurts a pupil who's living through it?

You don't need to be an expert, and done is better than perfect. What makes these lessons safe is preparation. Plan as if a pupil directly affected is sitting in the front row, and the lesson will be safe for everyone. Tell pupils and families the date each topic is coming up, so nobody is caught off guard, and set up an ask-it basket so pupils can raise questions without anyone knowing who asked.

You'll also have a plan ready for the moment a pupil gets upset, and a way to end a heavy lesson on a lighter note, with hope and clear signposts to help.