Before you continue
This is preview content for the 2026-27 academic year. Your feedback will help us improve these units.
Learning objective
- To explain how and why we wash our hands.
Success criteria
- I can describe what germs are.
- I can recognise
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Statutory guidance
RSE and Health
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Cross-curricular links
English
Spoken language
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Optional: remind the children of the PSHE agreement created in the Introductory lesson: Setting rules for RSE & PSHE lessons and recap the agreed rules. If needed, upload an image of the agreement to the Presentation: PSHE agreement.
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could have the Resource: Hand washing displayed next to the sink while washing their hands to show how to wash their hands if they are not yet secure with the sequence.
- Could use the Resource: Hand washing word mat throughout the lesson to support vocabulary acquisition.
- Could use the Activity: Hand washing: Support to exemplify the activity and reduce cognitive load.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should explain when hands need to be washed and link this to stopping germs from spreading.
- Could take on a monitoring role during partner handwashing, checking each step and explaining what their partner needs to do next to reinforce accurate use of the routine and develop confidence in explaining their learning to others.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Describe germs as tiny living things that can
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Vocabulary definitions
-
germs
Tiny living things that can make people poorly.
-
invisible
Not able to be seen with the eyes.
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In this unit
Assessment – RSE & PSHE Y1: Protecting myself and others
Lesson 1: Why and how do we wash our hands?
Lesson 2: How can I protect myself in any weather?
Lesson 3: Who helps us stay healthy?
Lesson 4: What should I do if I feel unwell?
Lesson 5: How serious are different injuries?
Lesson 6: How can we get help for serious illnesses or injuries?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 30th March, 2026
