At Elmwood Infant School, we believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education that inspires curiosity, builds confidence and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. We are proud of our diverse school community and celebrate the different cultures, languages, experiences and backgrounds that make Elmwood a welcoming and inclusive place to learn.

Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious. Rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1, it is carefully planned to ensure that all children develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they need to achieve their full potential. Learning is sequenced progressively, enabling children to build on prior knowledge, deepen their understanding and make meaningful connections as they move through the school.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold School, children's rights, wellbeing and personal development are at the heart of everything we do. Through our curriculum, children learn to understand their rights and responsibilities, value diversity, show kindness and respect towards others, and recognise the positive contribution they can make to their school, community and the wider world.

We have high expectations for every child and are committed to ensuring that all learners, including those with additional needs, have full access to a rich and rewarding curriculum. Learning is carefully planned so that children steadily develop their knowledge, skills and understanding across all subjects, enabling them to make strong progress from their individual starting points.

Reading, communication and language are central to our curriculum and provide the foundations for learning across all subjects. Through high-quality teaching, enriching experiences and an inclusive approach, we encourage children to develop confidence, resilience, independence and aspiration, helping them to become successful learners and responsible citizens.

We want our pupils to leave Elmwood as confident, compassionate and enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and equipped to make a positive contribution to society.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides children with a nurturing, stimulating and inspiring start to their school journey. We recognise that young children learn best through a combination of purposeful play, exploration, first-hand experiences and carefully planned teaching.

Learning in Nursery and Reception is organised through the seven areas of learning:

Prime areas:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development

Specific areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Our welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environments encourage curiosity, independence and creativity. Children are supported to explore, investigate, ask questions and develop a growing understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Strong relationships are at the heart of our Early Years provision. Staff know children well and carefully plan learning that builds upon their interests, needs and next steps. Through rich language experiences, storytelling, practical activities and play-based learning, children develop the foundations that will support their future success throughout school.

We value the important partnership between home and school and work closely with families to ensure every child feels happy, secure and ready to learn.

Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, children follow a rich and engaging curriculum that develops both knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects. Learning is carefully sequenced so that children build upon prior learning and deepen their understanding over time.

The curriculum includes:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• Art and Design
• Design and Technology
• Computing
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• PSHE, including Relationships and Health Education

Each subject is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge and skills progressively over time. Learning is planned to ensure that children develop a secure understanding of key concepts whilst remaining engaging, accessible and ambitious for all learners.

Underpinned by our Rights Respecting values, the curriculum helps children understand their rights and responsibilities, celebrate diversity, respect others and develop as active members of their community and the wider world. Through learning about different people, places, cultures and beliefs, children develop empathy, respect and an appreciation of the world around them.

Our commitment to children's wellbeing and personal development runs alongside academic achievement. Through PSHE, Relationships and Health Education, and wider enrichment opportunities, children develop the values, understanding and confidence needed to become kind, respectful and responsible citizens.

Physical development and healthy lifestyles are also a key part of our curriculum. Children benefit from high-quality Physical Education lessons, including specialist teaching from our sports coach, helping them to develop physical competence, teamwork, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of being active.

Find Out More

Please explore the subject pages below to find out more about what children learn at Elmwood Infant School, how knowledge and skills progress across each year group, and how we support every child to achieve their very best.