CURRICULUM
At The Cobbs Infant and Nursery School, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture the whole child - laying strong foundations in the Early Years and preparing each pupil for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of life beyond school. We believe that every child deserves the best possible start and our curriculum reflects this commitment.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In EYFS, we create a warm, stimulating environment where children thrive through play, exploration and high-quality interactions. Our practitioners plan rich, challenging and enjoyable experiences across all areas of learning and development, with a strong focus on the three prime areas:
- Communication and Language,
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development,
- Physical Development.
Language development and vocabulary enrichment are at the heart of our approach. We offer a broad curriculum that allows children to deepen their understanding of the prime areas through the specific areas of learning. Children learn through a balance of child-initiated and adult-led play, fostering independence, creativity and resilience. As they transition into Reception, we place greater emphasis on securing essential skills and knowledge to ensure a smooth and confident move into Year 1.
For details of the Foundation Stage Curriculum please see the Statutory Framework for Early Years below.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework
For more details on our teaching of reading and phonics please see our English section.
Parents' Guide to EYFS
Development Matters is non-statutory guidance for the EYFS.
Birth to 5 Matters is non-statutory guidance for the EYFS.
‘What to expect, when?’ is an easy to use guide for parents on their child’s learning and development in the EYFS.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, our curriculum builds seamlessly on the foundations laid in EYFS. We draw on our rich local context and the lived experiences of our children to make learning meaningful, relevant and engaging. Our approach ensures continuity while introducing greater structure and depth across subjects.
We deliver the full National Curriculum, enhanced with additional content that reflects the needs of our children, the ethos of our school and the world around them. We know that young children learn best through active engagement, so we prioritise hands-on, practical experiences. Local visits and visitors enrich our curriculum, helping children connect learning to real-world contexts.
Subject Delivery
- Core Subjects: Mathematics, English and Science are taught both discretely and through cross-curricular links, giving children a clear context for applying their skills.
- Foundation Subjects: History, Geography, Art and Design and Design and Technology are explored through engaging topics. Music, PE, RE and PSHE are taught discretely, with meaningful connections made wherever possible.
Teachers plan imaginative and challenging activities that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Each new topic begins with children’s own questions, encouraging ownership of learning and fostering a sense of wonder. Our teaching strategies - including cooperative learning and active participation - ensure that every child is involved, inspired and empowered.
For further details of our teaching and learning for specific subjects please see individual subject information within the Curriculum section.
Assessment at Key Stage 1
End of Year Expectations
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact us.