Triple national awards shortlisting for PSHE and Relationships and Health Education experts 1decision
1decision, which aims to nurture children’s personal development from early years, giving them the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to lead healthy, happy lives, has been shortlisted for three national education awards.
The Stevenage-based PSHE, RSHE and PSED resources specialist is in the running for the Teach Early Years Awards ‘Happy & healthy’ category, and Teach Primary Awards ‘Free’ resource category, and the winners will be announced by the organisers in November.
For Teach Early Years, 1decison entered Early Years Planning, A 40-Week Plan for Early Years Settings to Support the Delivery of PSED, together with a Creative Play Activities booklet. This planning document offers a simple plan for early years educators and enables practitioners to reach the PSED expectations.
Its topics have been mapped across 40 weeks, and provide educators with one topic to deliver per week (nurseries open 52 weeks a year may need to extend topics over multiple weeks), all linking to the criteria of the Early Years Framework. For each topic, settings receive an Animation/Read-to-Me Storybook; Interactive Game; Additional Activity Ideas; Activity Worksheet; and Links to PSED Framework. By seamlessly integrating animated social stories, immersive read-to-me video books, a plethora of interactive games and printable activities and ideas, the plan transcends traditional boundaries, breathing life into vital learning concepts.
The 1decision early years resources were created to be used on a flexible, ad-hoc basis and settings can move topics to react to a particular event or scenario. Furthermore, early years educators are encouraged to use the resources as a base, and enhance delivery of the topics through additional activities, guest speakers and trips. The accompanying Creative Play Activities booklet utilises a vibrant cast of colourful animated characters carefully crafted to foster understanding. These engaging characters serve as relatable companions, guiding children through a myriad of educational experiences.
480 early years settings are currently using the resources. Educators have spoken about the impact, including Margaret Simanwe, Reception Teacher at St Peters CE Primary School in Hixon, Staffordshire, who praised the “familiarity of characters for children”, “lovely cartoons and activities that match each theme” and the “link to real-life experiences that are age-appropriate”. Separately, 1decision, through its sister platform Rainbow Smart, recently launched The Confident Parent Scorecard, a 60-second quiz which helps parents and carers quickly spot areas where their child might need extra support.
In Teach Primary, for which 1decision was proud winners of the Health & Wellbeing award last year, a free, cross-sector educational resource developed in partnership with The Little Princess Trust and CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association caught the judges’ eye. This comprehensive assembly pack aims to educate primary-aged children about the vital work of charities, with a focus on reducing anxiety, fear and stigma around the word “cancer” while promoting empathy, community action and scientific understanding.
This is the first primary resource that links cancer awareness with real-life charitable impact in such a comprehensive and child-centred way. It goes beyond fundraising to help children understand how research helps to reduce cancer in the long term and how the Trust supports children affected by hair loss and illness right now. It stands as a testament to the partners’ dedication to children’s wellbeing – not just through their services, but through education that empowers the next generation to make a difference.
All materials are adaptable to suit the needs of different educational settings, including mainstream and SEND environments, and allow educators to choose content depth according to their learners’ needs. Every aspect of the resource is designed to be intuitive for educators, including those with limited experience in cancer-related topics.
The resource includes a flexible assembly, extension lesson, a teacher guide which provides guided scripts, FAQs and discussion prompts, and a parent/carer pack which supports continued learning and emotional reassurance at home. All materials are provided digitally and are suitable for use year after year, with the flexibility to update key messaging or links over time. Digital-first delivery also ensures minimal environmental footprint, supporting goals to promote sustainable educational practices.
To date, around 1,200 schools have used the assembly pack to show children how their selfless acts can help The Little Princess Trust to provide real hair wigs to those with hair loss. The resource provides clear, sensitive and empowering learning opportunities. Pupils explore the role of charities, the importance of medical research, and how they can help others. It builds personal, social and emotional understanding while also supporting curriculum links in PSHE, science and citizenship. As a free resource, this pack offers exceptional value, with schools benefitting from a high-quality, ready-to-use educational tool without the need for extra budget or CPD.
Hayley Sherwood, CEO of 1decision, commented: “We are especially proud to highlight the partnership with our chosen charity, The Little Princess Trust, as they mark their 20th anniversary. It is wonderful recognition of their inspiring work and service, so thank you to Chief Executive Phil Brace and Co-founder Wendy Tarplee-Morris. A thank you also goes to CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association for the additional support, guidance and information that was shared as part of this collaboration. Additionally, we would like to thank our schools, partners and supporters for helping us to continue making a difference.”
Separately, and for a second year in a row, 1decision has been shortlisted for ‘Wellbeing Resource or Support of the Year’ at the Education Today Awards. “This nomination is a wonderful recognition of our team’s dedication, together with the schools, partners and valued connections who make up the 1decision community,” Hayley said. “What I love most about these awards is they give the people using our resources every day, anyone who has collaborated with us or simply believes in our mission to transform PSHE, the chance to vote for us before 30th September. Our team works tirelessly to create content that not only supports teachers but makes a real difference to children’s lives. Seeing their hard work recognised means so much.” The winners will be revealed in December.
