Preparing for RSHE 2026: How myHappymind Plus Supports Schools

The UK’s statutory guidance for Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) is evolving, and schools need to be ready for the 2026 updates. At myHappymind, we’ve been reviewing our programme to ensure it not only meets these changes but also continues to put pupils’ wellbeing and development at the heart of learning.

What’s Changing in RSHE 2026?

RSHE 2026 builds on existing guidance rather than introducing a completely new curriculum, with many areas strengthened to better reflect children’s everyday experiences and the challenges they may encounter. The updates place greater emphasis on personal safety, understanding and looking after their bodies, and developing the knowledge and skills to stay safe in a variety of situations.

There is also increased focus on supporting pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing, including topics such as grief, loss, and coping with change. Guidance around safeguarding has been reinforced, helping children navigate the modern world more confidently. Overall, the updates provide clarification and reassurance, while reinforcing the core messages schools are already teaching.

How myHappymind Plus Already Supports These Updates

Many aspects of the strengthened guidance are already reflected in myHappymind Plus:

Safeguarding Made Clear: Lessons teach children how to identify unsafe situations, know trusted adults, and understand boundaries

Modern Online Safety: Pupils learn that not everything online is real and how to manage uncomfortable online situations

Friendship & Relationship Skills: Children explore recognising unhealthy friendships, understanding peer pressure, and identifying when relationships don’t feel right

Wellbeing Links: Lessons connect relationships to mental health, teaching coping strategies and emotional regulation

What's New in 2026?

To fully align with the new guidance, we’re introducing brand-new lessons and resources:

Puberty and Sex Education

Our updated RSE lessons cover:

Private body parts

Appropriate versus inappropriate touch

Clear, accurate information about puberty and sexual development

Parent Transparency and Engagement

Schools must be open with families about what is being taught and when. From September 2026, parents should be proactively engaged, able to view any RSE materials on request, and kept fully aware of the topics their children are learning. RSE policies should clearly explain how parents can access resources and support discussions at home. While transparency has always been encouraged, the expectation for openness is now sharper and more explicit.

To help schools meet these expectations, myHappymind Plus will provide tools to involve parents effectively:

New Parent App Area – Resources and lesson overviews will be available for families

Parent Presentations – Supporting consultation and open discussion

Guidance on communicating curriculum content and supporting parent engagement

What This Means for Schools

Schools can feel confident that myHappymind Plus provides:

Fully RSHE-aligned resources ready for September 2026

Lessons that support safeguarding, online safety, and relationships education

Practical ways to link curriculum content with pupils’ mental wellbeing

Steps Schools Can Take

While myHappymind Plus covers the majority of the guidance, schools may want to:

Update RSHE policies to reflect 2026 statutory expectations

Strengthen communication and consultation with parents

Plan implementation of the new Sex Education lessons and supporting resources

Putting Pupils at the Centre

The updates reflect the world children live in today. By integrating age-appropriate lessons, clear guidance, and supportive resources for parents, myHappymind Plus ensures that children feel safe, understood, and supported. Every lesson is designed to link back to pupils’ wellbeing and emotional development, helping them grow with confidence and resilience.