Curriculum Overview

The Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum : Special Curriculum Provision

The Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum

The children in the Reception Class join us for the final year of the Foundation Stage, having had a variety of early learning experiences.  On entry to school the children are assessed through observation.  They move forward at their own pace towards the Early Learning Goals which are then assessed at the end of the Foundation Stage.

The National Curriculum is an entitlement for every child. All  children in England and Wales, whether they live in town or country or which schools they attend, will follow the same curriculum and learn the same basic things.

The National Curriculum comprises 4 core subjects (English, Maths, Science and ICT) plus 7 foundation subject (Geography, History, Technology, Art, Music, PE and RE), which must be included in the curriculum of all pupils.

Attainment targets specify up to 10 levels of attainment, covering the ages 5 - 16, set objectives of learning. Programmes of study specify essential teaching within each subject area.

Assessment arrangements relate to the levels of attainment. Children are assessed continuously to ensure that they are progressing satisfactorily in all subjects.  However, at certain times, ie, 7, 11, 14 and 16 years of age, assessments are reported back to parents.  These are End of Key Stage Assessments - SATS.

Special Curriculum Provision

Should a child need extra assistance this is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the class teacher.  However, if in the view of the class teacher and Headteacher (who is also the Special Needs Co-ordinator), further help is needed, we have the resources of the Learning Support Service for a short time each half term.

Programmes of assistance are individually structured to the needs of the child and are kept under constant review.

Periodically, the visiting Educational Psychologist helps assess a child's needs and advises staff accordingly.  Parents would be advised if this involved their child.

Every care is taken to recognise a child's special needs either those experiencing difficulties or showing evidence of giftedness, and we endeavour to meet those needs in school with the help of the support staff of the Education Service.