At Combs Infant School, children are given opportunities to develop their computing skills from the very earliest stages in Nursery and Reception and meet the National Curriculum objectives following the Teach Computing scheme of work from STEM learning. We acknowledge the importance of developing a secure knowledge of computing skills, to equip them for a future in a digital world.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage in Nursery, children are given opportunities to explore functions such as levers, buttons and remote control toys, observing what happens when they press buttons and controls. Children begin to use tablets in continuous provision as well as using Barefoot Computing during taught lessons.
In Reception children develop their computing skills by exploring a range of different technologies and selecting these for an appropriate purpose in the learning environment both indoor and outdoor, for example selecting and using the iPad as a camera to take a picture of a bug in the learning garden. Computing skills are developed through the exploration of different technologies in order to ensure that children are confident, showing good control and knowledge of the functions.
In Key Stage 1, children follow the Teach Computing scheme of work from STEM. The children work through modules which are carefully planned and where appropriate are cross curricular and ensure progression across the year groups.
E-Safety is embedded into all elements of the curriculum in both EYFS and Key Stage 1 throughout the year, supporting the statutory RSE curriculum and the Combs Infant School PSHE curriculum. In addition to this, we also have a annual ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ assembly which is an NSPCC online safety programme which provides resources, guidance and training to help create and maintain safer online spaces for children. We also run a whole school E-Safety day in February. During this day, the children revisit the SMART E-Safety rules established in the EYFS. Children in Nursery and Reception learn about internet safety through Smartie the Penguin. Children learn what to do when worrying situations arise when they are using the internet both in school and at home. Children are made aware of what being ‘online’ means and learn our Smartie E-Safety song.
In KS1, children learn about E-Safety through the adventures of Lee and Kim. Children watch videos and debate the actions of Lee and Kim and what decisions they should make to stay safe online, drawing upon all of their past and new E-Safety knowledge. Children develop a wider awareness of ways they can keep themselves safe such as protecting passwords, not sharing personal information and stranger danger in an online world.
Intent
In an increasingly digital world there now exists a wealth of software, tools and technologies that can be used by our children from a very early age to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and create digital content. Technology is now ingrained within our everyday lives and it is important that we provide our children with the correct skills and knowledge to safely and productively use these technologies.
At Combs Infant School we aim to provide children with the knowledge to successfully navigate this digital world through the delivery of a challenging yet enjoyable curriculum for all our pupils. With clear progression from their starting point in Nursery and/or Reception, our curriculum will develop pupils’ computational thinking skills that will then benefit them throughout their future lives. All children will have the opportunity through both our curriculum and extra-curricular activities to develop their skills and knowledge whilst meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum programme of study for Computing in Key Stage 1 and also through elements of Early Years Foundation Stage 2021 strands of Understanding the World (UW) and Expressive Arts and Design (EAD).
Our computing scheme for Key Stage One, ‘Teach Learning’ from National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), offers children the opportunity to use their prior knowledge within creative, inventive and inspiring units that have a clear progression of skills in order to equip pupils with the confidence and skills to use digital tools and technologies in order to achieve the National Curriculum outcomes and ensure they are ready to continue to develop their knowledge in Key Stage 2.
Implementation
We use ‘Teach Computing’ from NCCE scheme of work to deliver our computing curriculum this ensures the needs of all of children are met and all children understand that computing can be used within everyday activities. Cross curricular links are made to give children real examples of the use of technology in our everyday lives e.g. linking editing photographs unit of work to science topic on plants by photographing plants or using iPds to photograph landmarks and human and physical features in Geography. Children use iPads and interactive whiteboards regularly to support other subjects and develop their understanding of how technology can aid their learning.
EYFS
Technology will be woven through all areas of learning and provision in EYFS but particularly Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Through high quality provision, including the use of technology, children gain the knowledge and understanding of technology ready for the KS1 Computing curriculum.
In nursery, children use and explore technology in their continuous provision activities. This is in addition to direct teaching of the use of new technologies and programmes that children may use in the setting. Children are also given opportunities to explore how things work using remote control or mechanical toys and take photographs and videos on the iPads. They also have access to simple drawing programs, which involves using different tools and mark making on the interactive board and playing simple interactive games.
In Reception, the foundation skills and knowledge of technology is built on further, with children given opportunities to explore using technologies linked to EAD and UW. For example, when children begin to use simple maps, they can incorporate technology through the use of google earth and using the beebots to navigate around different obstacles on a floor mat.
Key Stage One
In Key Stage One, the computing curriculum is taught using the Teach Computing scheme of work which follows the National Curriculum aims and objectives. Computing lessons in Key Stage 1 will be based around 6 weekly units of work in which children develop knowledge and skills in Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology building on the learning from EYFS. We make cross curricular links with other subjects, seizing opportunities for children to use and apply their computing knowledge and skills across the curriculum.
Impact
The impact of our high-quality computing curriculum will be to develop children who:
• Are confident using a range of technologies and programs based on their first hand experiences.
• Can purposefully select and use a variety of computer programs for different purposes.
• Understand the use of algorithms in the modern world and know how they are used in familiar programs and games.
• Can write, input and debug a simple algorithm.
• Know how technology can be used to present ideas e.g. drawing or power points.
• Understand internet safety and what they can do to stay safe online.
• Can use technology to communicate with others via online platforms safely.
Online Safety
Online Safety is taught throughout the year in assemblies and through cross curricular links. We combine the online safety content with materials from the Project EVOLVE toolkit. We ensure children receive a robust Online Safety curriculum which develops skills, knowledge and attitude throughout the year to successfully and safely navigate the online world.
This will be accessed and monitored by class teachers during monitoring reviews to ensure that children have acquired the long term knowledge to keep them safe in an online world. In addition, we hold a focus day of Online Safety Education, in conjunction with Safer Internet Day (February), annually to raise the profile of online safety. During this week, children will use a range of age appropriate content and resources to teach specific issues and initiate discussions around online safety.
School will send out regular Online Safety newsletters to staff and parents/carers, to keep them up to date with current issues and trends relating to Online Safety. Staff will undertake annual online safety training in line with KCSIE and receive regular updates ensuring they are aware of changes or trends in. Online safety issues through monthly Online safety bulletins are shared with all staff and ae displayed on the around the school. Training will include key themes linked to online safety in KCSIE including links to recognising inappropriate content, contact, conduct and commerce and how to record, report and act when necessary. Staff will all read and understand, accept and sign the Online Safety, Acceptable Use Policy and other associated policies annually before using any school devices or technology.
EYFS End Points
By the end of Reception the vast majority of children will have a secure knowledge of how technology is used in every part of their lives and will select appropriate technology for different purposes e.g. using an iPad to take a photograph or using a paint computer program to draw a picture on the interactive board.
Through the curriculum scheme children will have developed a broader and more current knowledge of technology in preparation for Key Stage 1 and be able to demonstrate:
• Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function;
• Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge;
• Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong and try to behave accordingly;.
• Understand what is meant by internet, online.
• Knowledge of how to stay safe when on the internet and what do if they feel unsafe.
Key Stage One End Points
By the end of Key Stage One, children will have built on their prior knowledge from EYFS and continued to develop their Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology knowledge and skills. They will be confident programmers who can use a range of technologies and programs to achieve an end goal. Children will be able to use the internet for a variety of purposes but be acutely aware of the dangers this can pose and what to do in these situations.
By the end of Key Stage 1, most children will be able to demonstrate:
• An understanding of how basic computer games are constructed
• Confident use of computing vocabulary when talking about algorithms in particular.
• How to send and receive emails quickly as a form of communication.
• How to use technology to take and edit photographs
• Use of a simple charting program
• An understanding of social media and understand websites can be utilised for learning
• How to keep themselves safe online and what to do if they do not feel safe.
• An understanding of how to keep personal information safe and why this is important e.g. passwords.
• How to use technology safely and respectfully within the setting and other environments.
Teaching and Learning
Our computing curriculum ensures that children have a broad and balanced coverage of the National Curriculum requirements. Our children experience computing in a range of contexts, including outdoor play. We provide a wide range of technologies such as interactive white boards, programmable robots, computers, tablets, digital and video cameras.
In EYFS children are provided with rich opportunities for them to explore and engage with technology, for example by pressing different buttons on everyday objects, using a range of toys, including remote control robots. They also use some Barefoot to support their learning in the wider curriculum, for example, in Expressive Arts and Design. Children are also provided with opportunities to use Barefoot as part of their continuous provision.
In Key Stage One, we continue to build on children’s knowledge and understanding of computing. Children are given a range of opportunities to explore and use computing equipment. We follow our computing Programme of Study, informed by Teach Computing, which ensures that there is a progression in knowledge and skills as the children move through the school. Throughout the school, computing plays an important part in all areas of learning and computing is integrated into everyday life. We enable pupils to understand the importance of, and how to use, a range of technology safely. Teachers use computing to enhance interactive teaching and learning styles and we also encourage children to exercise choice, work independently and make connections between their learning.
Educational visits
Throughout the year, the children partake in educational visits with a focus and cross curricular links to the computing curriculum. These visits take place in areas of our locality and enable the children to make first hand observations of the world around them. Children will be able to develop their understanding in a way that is impossible in the classroom.
Role of Subject Leader
The role of the subject leader
• Ensure high quality computing lessons are taught across EYFS and Key Stage 1 through our agreed computing curriculum and schemes.
• Provide subject specific guidance/CPD to colleagues.
• Monitor the computing curriculum delivered to children across the school highlighting strengths and areas for further development.
• Monitor the progress and attainment of children in school in computing.
• Manage equipment and resources including maintaining/replenishing/updating to support delivery of a high-quality curriculum.
• Liaise and work with the local PEGS Cluster of schools
• Offer support and present a whole school assembly during Online Safety day to the children and also the parents.
• Stay up to date with changes, new initiatives and research that would enhance and support the development of Computing and Online Safety at Combs Infant School.
• Stay up to date with Online Safety training, in order to support and disseminate key information appropriately to children, parents and staff.
Reasonable Adjustments
In all classes there are children of differing abilities. At Combs Infant School we recognise this fact and provide suitable learning opportunities for all children. Teachers make reasonable adjustments through adaptive teaching, including; flexible grouping, level of support, equipment available (including technology), questioning and scaffolding. The SENCO and class teacher work closely together to ensure reasonable adjustments are made for all children.
Equality Statement
The computing curriculum adheres to our school Equality Policy. It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that all children are treated equally, regardless of their background, gender, race or ability. We are an inclusive school and teach art to all children respecting individual needs. The art curriculum takes into account issues of difference including: gender, race and ethnicity.
SMBC
Opportunities to promote children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is threaded throughout our Computing curriculum. Examples of how SMSC is woven through Computing and Online Safety lessons are below;
Through lessons children will know and understand:
• How to be a successful digital citizen in the 21st Century.
• Understand the importance of using the internet in a respectful way, and the consequences of not doing this.
• Know what is right and wrong when using online platforms and making links to face to face behaviours and if they are right or wrong for example in the playground.
• Understand how the internet can provide a platform for unkind and unacceptable behaviours, and know how this makes others feel (even though it is online) and what they can do to challenge these behaviours.
• Use technology and the internet to explore and research other cultures they may not have first-hand experience of.
• How to question and challenge sources of information from the internet.
• How different cultures use technology in different ways.
• How technology has impacted and changed lives within and beyond their living memory e.g. making gaming friends online v making friends in youth clubs.
• How technology can have both positive and negative impact on us and our lives.
How can you help with your child’s learning at home
Computing within EYFS is covered within the specific areas of learning: Expressive Arts and Design, Physical Development, Mathematics and Understanding the World, with an understanding that each area of learning is impacted by children achieving the statements related in each of the prime areas of learning within the Development Matters Framework.
As our children progress to KS1, teachers ensure that the skills children have acquired in EYFS are built upon and utilised to enable children to further their skills and new knowledge by following the National Curriculum.
Computing is taught through Barefoot Computing in EYFS and Teach Computing in KS1. These projects are sequenced to develop children's substantive and declarative knowledge, and if possible, make meaningful links to other projects. These links allow for children to embed their substantive knowledge and vocabulary in new and often real-life contexts, to comprehend subsequent projects fully.