The Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage Curriculum is followed by our Nursery and Reception classes. There are seven areas of learning and development and each of these areas are important and inter-connected. 

Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving. These are the prime areas:

• communication and language

• physical development

• personal, social and emotional development

There are four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:

• literacy

• mathematics

• understanding the world

• expressive arts and design

The emphasis in our Foundation Stage classes is on learning through practical activities because children at this stage in their development learn best through doing things and seeing things happen.

Please click on the class pages for more information:  

The National Curriculum

All children from Year 1 – Year 6 follow the National Curriculum:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Design and Technology
• Computing
• History
• Geography
• Art and Design
• Music
• Physical Education
• Personal, Social and Health Education
• Modern Foreign Language (Italian)
• RE

National Curriculum Assessments
Key Stage 1

Children complete statutory assessments at the end of Keys Stage 1 (Year 2). We aim to make this a stress-free experience and incorporate the assessments into school life. We do not publish the dates of the assessments for key stage 1 to minimise anxiety. At the end of the school year parents receive information about the results of these test and whether their child has reached age related expectations.

Current data can be found in Ofsted and Performance data using the link below: 

https://www.belswains.herts.sch.uk/ofsted-and-performance-data/

National Curriculum Assessments
Key Stage 2

Children complete statutory at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6). These test take place in May and parents will be informed of the dates. Children are well prepared throughout the year for these assessments.

Current data can be found in Ofsted and Performance data using the link below:

https://www.belswains.herts.sch.uk/ofsted-and-performance-data/

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 

At Belswains Primary School we place great emphasis on supporting every pupil to fulfil their potential and access the curriculum. Lessons are planned to ensure that there are no barriers to every pupil achieving.

Our Inclusion Lead monitors the progress of all children with special educational needs and disabilities, working directly with staff and outside agencies to provide the required support for our pupils.  

If you would like to make an appointment with our Inclusion Lease, all details can be found on the hyperlink below:

School Improvement Plan (SIP)

Towards the end of each year staff and Governors meet to review the previous year's data and performance and select at least three priorities that the school needs to focus on, to ensure a continued high standard of provision, for the following academic year. Please see below for our three priorities for 2022/2023. 

School Improvement Plan 2022-2023

Priorities

1. Teaching and Learning 

To improve the teaching and outcomes of writing across all year groups.

2 SEND

To improve outcomes for SEND pupils

3 Attendance

To focus on the importance of excellent attendance to ensure children maximise opportunities to learn and make progress.