WHAT WE WANT

every child to become before they leave us

A communicator, who listens attentively and responds to what they hear, makes comments and asks questions, holds conversation, participates in discussions, offers explanations, and expresses their ideas and feelings

An individual, who shows an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begins to regulate their behaviour accordingly, sets and works towards simple goals, gives focused attention and follows instructions, tries new activities, and shows independence, resilience and perseverance; explains the reasons for rules and knows right from wrong, and manages their own basic hygiene and personal needs

A friend, who works and plays cooperatively, and takes turns, forms positive attachments and friendships, and shows sensitivity to their own and to others' needs

An athlete, who negotiates space and obstacles safely; demonstrates strength, balance and coordination, and moves energetically

An operator, who holds a pencil effectively, uses a range of small tools, and begins to show accuracy and care in their drawing

A reader, who demonstrates understanding of what has been read to them, anticipates key events in stories, uses and understands recently introduced vocabulary, says a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs, reads words by sound-blending and reads aloud simple sentences

A writer, who writes recognisable letters, spells words by identifying sounds, and writes simple sentences

A mathematician, who has a deep understanding of number to 10, subtilises up to 5, automatically recalls number bonds up to 5 and some number bonds to 10, verbally counts beyond 20, compares quantities up to 10, and explores and represents patterns within numbers up to 10

A historian, who talks about the lives of the people around them and their roles in society, knows some similarities and differences between things in the past and now, and understands the past through settings, characters and events encountered in books read in class and storytelling

A citizen, who describes their immediate environment, knows some similarities and differences between different religious and cultural communities in this country, and explains some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries

A scientist, who explores the natural world around them and contrasting environments, knows some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, and understands some important processes and changes

A designer, who safely uses and explores a variety of materials, tools and techniques; shares their creations and makes use of props

A performer, who invents, adapts and recounts narratives and stories; sings a range of well-known nursery rhymes and songs, and performs songs, rhymes, poems and stories; and tries to move in time with music

prepared for the next step of their learning journey

We also identify

Our Children's Core Curriculum Challenges

- unique to each cohort.

In the early years foundation stage (nursery and reception), we deliver our curriculum following children’s interests, planned topics, subject sequences (mathematics, Monster Phonics, physical education and religious education), and curriculum ambitions linked to activity zones and unpacked as core skills. Ofsted's research review series has informed our practice in this area.

A menu of exciting activities for families in Hertfordshire with young children, giving them great suggestions for how to have fun and learn at the same time.