”I Can Say ‘No” is a resource that can be used to support children and young people with being able to say no when they are being asked to do something that they don’t want to do. 

This resource will help to support teaching about safer relationships and how to respond to both other children and adults when they are feeling uncomfortable or uneasy about a situation.

This is an introductory resource for explaining ‘giving permission’ and ‘consent’. It should not be taught as a stand-alone worksheet and should be accompanied by a class discussion where possible.

How could this resource be used?

• To support exploring giving permission and consent.
• To support with building safer relationships.
• To support a child 1:1.
• To support all children as part of a class-based discussion.

Which statutory England PSHE curriculum* objectives does this resource fall into?

*in line with the PSHE Association 2021 Statutory Guidance.

• KS1: R16 – about how to respond if physical contact makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. 
• KS1: R17 – about knowing there are situations when they should ask for permission and also when their permission should be sought.
• KS1: R19 – basic techniques for resisting pressure to do something they don’t want to do and which may make them unsafe. 

• KS2: R25 – recognise different types of physical contact; what is acceptable and unacceptable; strategies to respond to unwanted physical contact.
• KS2: R26 – about seeking and giving permission (consent) in different situations.
• KS2: R28 – how to recognise pressure from others to do something unsafe or that makes them feel uncomfortable and strategies for managing this.

Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome:

• Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood –  I am aware of the need to respect personal space and boundaries and can recognise and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communication (HWB 0-45b, 1-45b, 2-45b, 3-45b, 4-45b).