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Families and committed relationships

TOPIC OVERVIEW

Different types of families and healthy relationships.

This topic explores the importance and diversity of families, and the characteristics of healthy, positive family relationships. It enables pupils to recognise when they may feel unsafe within a family, and how to ask for help if they need it. It identifies the characteristics of a committed relationship, and at Year 6 explores human reproduction and other ways that people can start a family.

Each year group has a starter video, followed by three lessons. A lesson contains a lesson plan, presentation and worksheet(s) for classroom activities. Download the progression grid »
Year 1: The importance of family
  • My family
  • Our families
  • Superhero families!
Year 2: The diversity of families
  • Who is in a family?
  • A happy family
  • Families of all kinds
Year 3: Different types of committed relationships
  • Commitment and marriage
  • All change!
  • Family changes: when parents separate
Year 4: Families and other relationships
  • Different relationships: boundaries and behaviour
  • Belonging
  • Caring families
Year 5: Healthy, committed relationships
  • Values of healthy relationships
  • Diversity in relationships
  • It’s all about commitment
Year 6: Starting a family*
  • Starting a family
  • The impact of having a baby
  • When is it right?

*includes age-appropriate sex education, not compulsory in primary schools.

Lessons are designed to take approximately 30 minutes to one hour of teaching time, but teachers can extend or develop learning across more lessons if this is appropriate. It is recommended that schools timetable at least one lesson a week for each year group.

The importance of family, Year 1 video sample. Children talk about the people in their family and why they are important.

View sample lesson plan »

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