Frequently asked questions
What is Pol-Ed?
Pol-Ed is a range of resources that have been designed to be aligned with the PSHE Association Programs of Study. The materials consist of:
- Lessons created by subject matter experts who specialise in Citizenship teaching and PSHE.
- Assemblies created by subject matter experts.
- CPD videos for professionals to support the teaching of difficult topic areas (coming soon)
- Assessment tools in the guise of the Pol-Ed Passport stamps.
Who is it for?
Pol-Ed is currently aimed at all students in purchasing police forces for pupils working in EYFS through to KS5. We aim to expand our library of resources to cover SEN provision in the longer term.
How are the lessons structured?
All of our lessons are structured to be delivered in one session to a class of pupils.
However, lessons in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 have options to allow them to be delivered in either 20/40/60 minute sessions. The lesson plan documents for these resources highlight which slides to miss out in order to change the lesson length.
Lessons and assemblies can be delivered by teachers to full classes, small groups, individuals or as a full year group assembly.
What is the Pol-Ed Passport?
The Pol-Ed passport provides teachers and students with a number of ‘stamps’ in which key competencies can be demonstrated.
The passport stamps are the set of skills and qualities that we want all students to develop, so that they can be successful, happy, and safe within their communities. They provide a framework for school reports, parents evenings, and subject rewards, ensuring students are clear as to what they are demonstrating well, and what they need to develop further.
Each passport stamp comes with its own information sheet, allowing teachers to look at a variety of 'I can' statements and use these to assess progress. Also included are examples of how a student's development of each key competency can support them throughout school, within their communities, and into adulthood.
Will Pol-Ed replace our school's existing PSHE scheme?
Pol-Ed is designed so that our lessons can be used to compliment your existing PSHE provision. The resources are standalone. We encourage schools and PSHE/Citizenship leaders to can select which lessons they want to deliver and who they want to deliver it to.
As an example, some schools use the Pol-Ed materials as part of their processes when a student has been excluded. Others have created bespoke long term plans for their school which intertwine our resources alongside their current provision. If you require support in developing Pol-Ed in your school, please contact us at Pol.Ed@westyorkshire.police.uk. We're here to help!
Who has commissioned it?
Pol-Ed has been commissioned and developed by West Yorkshire Police to support its partnership working strategy and help keep our young people safe. The original Pol-Ed programme was funded by successful bids for money from the Proceeds of Crime fund.
‘Proceeds of crime’ refers to the assets, funds and property gained whilst undertaking criminal activity. Authorities such as The Crown Prosecution Service have the power to confiscate these assets thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Pol-Ed has funded the first 3 years of the programme from money which has been recovered from drug dealers, money launderers, fraudsters and other criminal enterprises. We are using these ill-gotten gains to fund the development of the Pol-Ed programme with the aim of helping young people understand the law and to assist them in making informed choices.
How much will it cost?
Pol-Ed is completely free to all schools in your Force area, if your Force has purchased access to the Pol-Ed website. The aim is for Pol-Ed to become a national program and be given free of charge to all schools if their Police Force purchases Pol-Ed.
My Force has not purchased Pol-Ed, how can I access the resources?
If your Force hasn’t purchased access and you think your school and young people would benefit from Pol-Ed, please contact us via email (Pol.Ed@westyorkshire.police.uk) and we will contact your local Force to discuss.
Currently, Pol-Ed is available for schools in the following areas:
- Bedfordshire – Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton
- Northumbria - Gateshead, Northumberland, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland
- Suffolk – Ipswich, Felixstowe, Bury St. Edmonds and Lowestoft
- West Yorkshire – Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield
Some of the subjects are quite tough to teach, is there any help available?
The Pol-Ed team have begun to produce some CPD videos for teachers to support them with teaching difficult topic areas. These will be shared on our External Resources section when available.
Can I download the lessons?
The Pol-Ed lessons are designed to be delivered ‘on-line’ from the website; this ensures that you are getting the most up to date version of the lesson available. As legislation / education guidance changes, the Pol-Ed team will update any lessons which are affected to keep the content legally correct and relevant.
Can I suggest a lesson?
Of course! The Pol-Ed team are keen to have user input and suggestions for lessons. Please visit our suggestions section where you can make lesson topic suggestions to the Pol-Ed team. Alternatively, please contact us via email (Pol.Ed@westyorkshire.police.uk).
I have forgotten my Log in / Password.
Please make contact with your school’s administrator / office who will be able to provide you with your log on details or provide you a Pol-Ed account. If your Pol-Ed manager has moved roles and you no longer have access to the Pol-Ed website, please email us at Pol.Ed@westyorkshire.police.uk.
How do I get a Pol-Ed Log in?
If your schools is already registered with Pol-Ed please make contact with your schools administrator / office who will be able to set you up on the Pol-Ed site and provide you with a Log in and Password. If your school is not registered with Pol-Ed please see the ‘Register your interest’ section at the top of this webpage.
I work for a third sector agency who assists with elements of PSHE in several schools can I get Pol-Ed?
At present, Pol-Ed is only available to schools. We are working on ways to open this up to third sector agencies who operate in school environments, however. Please feel free to email us at Pol.Ed@westyorkshire.police.uk to register your interest as a provider, and we will keep you informed of the progress around this.