About us > Our Approach

We put children at the centre of everything we do

At Jigsaw, everything we create starts with one simple question: What does this child need to thrive, right now, and in the future?

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Our one question has guided our work from day one. And it’s the reason our programmes are designed to do much more than simply tick curriculum boxes

Our one question has guided our work from day one. And it’s the reason our programmes are designed to do much more than simply tick curriculum boxes

They help children to understand themselves and the world around them. They help teachers to feel confident and supported, and they help schools build a consistent, caring culture where wellbeing and learning go hand in hand.

 

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Designed with care. Based on research

Jigsaw is built on decades of experience in education, psychology and pedagogy. Our team of educators and experts have translated that knowledge into thoughtfully structured, research-based programmes that are easy to implement and powerful in their impact. Every Jigsaw lesson is underpinned by:

SEL

'Social & Emotional Learning' where empathy, self-awareness and healthy relationships aren’t just nice-to-have's, they are essential. Our approach nurtures these skills every step of the way.

Cognitive Load Theory

Lessons are designed to be manageable and memorable, helping children learn more and retain more.

Metacognition

Children are encouraged to reflect on how they learn, giving them greater ownership and insight into their development.

The result

Lessons that feel purposeful, meaningful and age-appropriate for children and for teachers.

SEL

'Social & Emotional Learning' where empathy, self-awareness and healthy relationships aren’t just nice-to-have's, they are essential. Our approach nurtures these skills every step of the way.

Cognitive Load Theory

Lessons are designed to be manageable and memorable, helping children learn more and retain more.

Metacognition

Children are encouraged to reflect on how they learn, giving them greater ownership and insight into their development.

The result

Lessons that feel purposeful, meaningful and age-appropriate for children and for teachers.

A spiral curriculum that grows with them

We know that real learning happens over time, in connected, spiral learning, not in one-off lessons. That’s why every Jigsaw programme is built as a progressive spiral curriculum. We revisit key topics, like identity, friendships, change, and wellbeing, at developmentally appropriate stages, deepening understanding, and building resilience year after year

It’s a structure that helps children join the dots and piece their world together. And it’s one that gives teachers confidence, consistency, and clarity when planning across year groups.

Emotional regulation is a life skill. And it’s one that can be taught, with care, consistency and practice.

That’s why mindfulness is foundational to the Jigsaw philosophy. From ‘Calm Me’ time to visualisation exercises, our lessons help children pause, notice their thoughts and feelings, and choose how to respond. It’s simple, powerful, and proven to make a difference.

More than 75% of schools tell us that Jigsaw has improved their children’s emotional wellbeing, with 80% seeing better behaviour in the classroom as a result.

The values explored in a Jigsaw lesson don’t stay in the classroom. They ripple out into the playground, the lunch hall, assemblies and beyond.

That’s intentional.

Jigsaw supports schools to build a shared ethos, one where respect, inclusion, and kindness are felt in every corner of school life. From ready-made assemblies to the Jigsaw Charter, everything works together to create an environment where every child feels seen, heard and safe.

And we don’t stop at the school gates. With programmes like Jigsaw Families, we help strengthen the connection between home and school, giving parents and carers additional tools to support their children’s emotional development.

We know teaching PSHE or RE can sometimes feel daunting, especially when time is short or topics are complex.

Our programmes come with detailed lesson plans, slides, resources and assessments, all clearly structured and easy to follow. Our experienced team have done the thinking and planning, so teachers can focus on delivering great learning.

And we don’t just hand over the resources, we stay close. From onboarding and training to mentoring and ongoing support, we are here whenever you need us.

94% of educators say Jigsaw saves them planning time. 95% feel more confident teaching PSHE because of it.

Every child deserves to feel represented, respected and valued in their learning. That’s why our resources reflect a wide range of cultures, identities and lived experiences, so that children can see themselves, and others, with understanding and empathy.

Whether it’s the stories we tell, the characters we introduce, or the questions we ask, inclusion isn’t an add-on at Jigsaw. It’s part of our foundation.

The difference we make

We now work with over 6,500 schools around the world. But we never lose sight of the individual children and teachers at the heart of that number. Across our schools, leaders tell us:

Children are more engaged

91% of schools say pupils are more engaged in PSHE lessons since using Jigsaw

Behaviour has improved

55% of schools report improved behaviour in classrooms

Staff feel more confident & supported

 96% of staff feel confident delivering PSHE lessons with Jigsaw and 83% agree Jigsaw provides high-quality support and guidance

The whole school feels more connected

 81% of schools say Jigsaw has positively influenced their school’s ethos and culture

One headteacher told us

'It’s the only lesson where you can hear a pin drop. The impact on our culture has been extraordinary.'

Children are more engaged

91% of schools say pupils are more engaged in PSHE lessons since using Jigsaw

Behaviour has improved

55% of schools report improved behaviour in classrooms

Staff feel more confident & supported

 96% of staff feel confident delivering PSHE lessons with Jigsaw and 83% agree Jigsaw provides high-quality support and guidance

The whole school feels more connected

 81% of schools say Jigsaw has positively influenced their school’s ethos and culture

One headteacher told us

'It’s the only lesson where you can hear a pin drop. The impact on our culture has been extraordinary.'

Ready to learn more?

Sit down with one of our friendly Partnership Managers for a no-pressure demo

We’ll show you how Jigsaw could work in your school, and how we support you every step of the way.

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