Based on research, Designed for real classrooms

At Jigsaw, we don’t just base our practices on research, we build our entire approach on it. Everything we create is grounded in what the research tells us works best for children’s learning, wellbeing and development.

At Jigsaw, we don’t just base our practices on research, we build our entire approach on it. Everything we create is grounded in what the research tells us works best for children’s learning, wellbeing and development.

We combine decades of real-world classroom experience across our teams with insights from psychology, neuroscience, and pedagogy. This enables us to deliver thoughtful, structured programmes that help children grow emotionally, socially and academically, all while supporting teachers every step of the way.

It all starts with the child

Our founder, Jan Lever, a teacher and psychotherapist, created Jigsaw because she saw children struggling with emotional regulation and self-esteem, and teachers being stretched to meet growing needs, without the right tools or support.

So she started with a simple but powerful idea – to create a programme that works for children and teachers alike.

That philosophy still guides us today. From our spiral curriculum and built-in mindfulness, to the way we break down complex concepts into age-appropriate steps, our programmes are shaped around the emotional and psychological needs of the child at every stage of development.

Our research foundations

Mindfulness isn’t an add-on in Jigsaw, it’s a foundational part of our DNA. Every PSHE and RE lesson includes calming, grounding techniques that help children manage their thoughts, regulate their emotions, and build resilience.

This is supported by evidence from child psychology, counselling, and neuroscience, showing the link between mindfulness and improved focus, emotional regulation, and mental wellbeing.

Children learn best when they understand how they learn. Jigsaw lessons include reflection points, self-assessment prompts, and activities that encourage pupils to think about their thinking. These strategies align with the Education Endowment Foundation’s guidance, which found metacognitive approaches can lead to an average of seven months’ additional progress.

We know working memory is limited. That’s why we present new material in small, carefully sequenced steps, reinforced with visuals, modelling, games, and active discussion. Our lessons are designed to reduce extraneous cognitive load while supporting deeper learning and long-term retention.

Jigsaw builds oracy and critical thinking through structured dialogue, open-ended questioning, and collaborative exploration. Children are encouraged to share, listen, reflect, and build on each other’s ideas, nurturing social skills and self-awareness alongside academic learning.

Our spiral curriculum and enquiry-based RE programme are designed to show children that knowledge grows over time and so do our views, values and beliefs. Every child is encouraged to see challenges as part of learning, not something to fear.

Curriculum-aligned and compliant

All our programmes are mapped to national, regional and local curricula.

Jigsaw PSHE aligns with the DfE Statutory Guidance for Relationships and Health Education, supporting delivery of the wider PSHE curriculum
Jigsaw RE supports locally agreed syllabi in England and the RVE (Religion, Values and Ethics) guidance in Wales
All content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect curriculum changes, current events and the latest best practice

Our lesson plans follow Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction; a research-backed model for effective teaching. Lessons begin with a review of prior learning, introduce new concepts in small steps, and include regular checks for understanding. Supportive scaffolding and independent practice ensure high engagement and progress.

How it all fits together

The Jigsaw programme structure is no accident. Every lesson follows a consistent five-part model designed to mirror how children actually learn.

1. Connect our Learning – revisit and activate prior knowledge
2. Open my Mind – prime attention with engaging stimuli
3. Tell Me or Show Me – introduce new ideas or information
4. Let Me Learn – independent and supported practice
5. Help Me Reflect – embed understanding through self-reflection

This approach isn’t just pedagogically sound, it’s loved by teachers for its clarity, flexibility, and impact.

Research in RE - A deeper look

Jigsaw RE draws heavily on modern pedagogical research and subject-specific frameworks. This commitment to thoughtful, pluralistic learning helps shape the inclusive, respectful citizens of tomorrow. Some of the key principles that shape our RE programme include:

The Worldviews Approach

Helps children critically explore diverse religious and non-religious perspectives, including their own.

Disciplinary Lenses

Lessons are mapped across theology, philosophy and the human/social sciences supporting a rigorous, well-rounded understanding of religion and belief.

Centring lived experience

Our content includes personal stories, diverse representations and real voices to help children connect learning with life.

Inclusive pedagogy

We design with accessibility in mind, from layout and content to inclusive imagery and SEND support materials.

The Worldviews Approach

Helps children critically explore diverse religious and non-religious perspectives, including their own.

Disciplinary Lenses

Lessons are mapped across theology, philosophy and the human/social sciences supporting a rigorous, well-rounded understanding of religion and belief.

Centring lived experience

Our content includes personal stories, diverse representations and real voices to help children connect learning with life.

Inclusive pedagogy

We design with accessibility in mind, from layout and content to inclusive imagery and SEND support materials.

Teacher support grounded in research

We don’t simply hand over a programme, we support the professionals who bring it to life.

Our CPD programme is built around teacher confidence, not just compliance
Onboarding, webinars, and mentoring are tailored to different phases and staff needs
We draw on research into teacher workload, subject confidence, and implementation science to make our support both effective and sustainable

In our recent 2025 customer survey:

96% of staff said they feel confident delivering Jigsaw
95% reported reduced planning time
83% said Jigsaw provides high-quality support and guidance

A teacher teaching at the front of a whiteboard

Research in action

Jigsaw is used in over 10,000 schools, taught to more than 2 million children, and recommended by 58% of users with a Net Promoter Score of +50 — which is considered excellent.

But the real measure of our research is its everyday impact: