Curriculum Intent

 “A framework for setting out the aims of a programme of education, including the

knowledge and understanding to be gained at each stage”

Ofsted Framework 2019

We deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum using development matters statements and the National Curriculum programmes of study in a way which prioritises the delivery of our curriculum drivers (areas we have prioritised to meet the needs of our pupils/community – available to view under the curriculum heading on our website) and the development of children’s vocabulary, engagement with books and the learning of knowledge which we have identified in our Subject Knowledge Plans and our Knowledge Organisers (these can be found in the Curriculum section of our website under each subject heading).

Our curriculum is planned to ensure that knowledge is repeated several times over KS1 and therefore allows learning to be retained in the long term memory.  We use key texts and overarching topic titles to support our young children to make links forwards and backwards and across subjects with their learning to enable the knowledge to become “sticky” and the learning to be retained.

Reading is a fundamental part of everything we do at Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School as it is the skill that underpins everything that is taught and opens the door to learning across the curriculum.  Our reading policy outlines how we use high quality texts, phonics, reading areas in school and our staff’s skills to support the development of reading skills.  We also teach vocabulary in a specific way and make explicit links about subject vocabulary on our Knowledge Organisers.

The personal development of pupils is supported by circle times and our PSHE scheme of learning. Our school ethos is to provide a caring setting where children can thrive and become inquisitive learners. The EYFS Characteristics of Effective Learning support the development of a curriculum which meets the needs of all our children. 

In addition to the day to day teaching which takes place, we pride ourselves on supplementing our formal curriculum with a wide range of first hand experiences (see 50 things to do before you leave Hallcroft, under the Curriculum heading on our website) and extra-curricular opportunities for the children. These opportunities extend the children's knowledge and understanding and improve their skills in a range of artistic, creative and sporting activities. Examples of the extra-curricular activities on offer this year include Gardening, Crafts, Multi-skills and Cooking.

The repeating, planned subject teaching, PSHE approaches, focus on reading and vocabulary and variety of wider experiences we offer gives pupils a curriculum which meets their needs, develops their cultural capital, prepares them for the next stage in their schooling and is enjoyable.