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How to adapt your curriculum for children with SEND
One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is, ‘How can I adapt my curriculum to help my children with SEND?’. The Government figures for the 2023/24 academic year showed more than 1.6 million children had Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), an increase of 101,000 from 2023. With such high numbers, it is no…
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What does the Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report tell us about the curriculum changes ahead?
This week the Curriculum and Review group released their Interim Report, but what does it tell us about the changes in store for the primary curriculum? In this blog, I’ll take a look at some of the key takeaways for primary schools as regards the curriculum and assessment. The review is ongoing with a final…
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Generative AI in Primary Education
Generative AI in Primary Education: My take on the recently released policy paper on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Having worked in EdTech for over a decade, I have seen firsthand how technology has enabled the growth of online and digital materials and curriculum resources for primary schools. As a result of this, there…
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How to adapt your curriculum for children with SEND
One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is, ‘How can I adapt my curriculum to help my children with SEND?’. The Government figures for the 2023/24 academic year showed more than 1.6 million children had Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), an increase of 101,000 from 2023. With such high numbers, it is no…
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What does the Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report tell us about the curriculum changes ahead?
This week the Curriculum and Review group released their Interim Report, but what does it tell us about the changes in store for the primary curriculum? In this blog, I’ll take a look at some of the key takeaways for primary schools as regards the curriculum and assessment. The review is ongoing with a final…
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Generative AI in Primary Education
Generative AI in Primary Education: My take on the recently released policy paper on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Having worked in EdTech for over a decade, I have seen firsthand how technology has enabled the growth of online and digital materials and curriculum resources for primary schools. As a result of this, there…
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How the Cornerstones curriculum is evolving to support primary schools (in the light of the Curriculum and Assessment Review 2025)
Most schools are now aware that there are changes ahead for the curriculum. The Curriculum and Assessment Review group has completed their consultations, and we are told, now bringing together the feedback to inform their future work. A first look at the findings will be available to schools early this year (2025), with a full…
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Ofsted inspections – stuck, secure or strong?
I always try to look for the positives, but sometimes they are hard to find. Another Ofsted ‘consultation’ is upon us. I can say I have had mixed success when speaking to Ofsted. At times, they have appeared to listen; other times, they are stone deaf on a path, or should I say, on a…
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What is a primary curriculum?
A primary curriculum is a programme of subjects, content, and learning experiences designed for children in the formative stages of their education. In the UK, this is typically for children aged 4 to 11. It outlines what children should learn in each key stage and year group. A primary curriculum consists of core subjects (English,…
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The Curriculum and Assessment Review: What we know from attending the curriculum roadshows.
Following my recent blog about the Government Curriculum and Assessment Review, I attended one of the curriculum review roadshows touring the country to obtain feedback from teachers and leaders about the curriculum. Here are some key takeaways from the session based on information and feedback from discussion groups I was part of during the day.…
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Free Chinese New Year Primary Resource Pack
Celebrating Chinese New Year: A Festival of Joy and Renewal Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant and joyous celebrations in Chinese culture. The festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is a time for family, reflection, and renewal. Cornerstones Resources To help you…
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Is AI damaging children’s knowledge?
I will be the first to say I am all for technological advancements. They’re exciting, and our children’s future possibilities are endless. However, like with all things, are we running before we even walk? AI is becoming increasingly popular across the world. It’s brilliant for day-to-day administrative tasks. If you want a recipe for chicken…
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What is test standardisation and why does it matter to schools?
Over the years I have worked extensively to support schools with pupil assessment, tracking and monitoring. I’ve developed numerous assessment systems, in particular, to help reduce teacher workload but also to ensure that data is meaningful, manageable and supports teaching and learning. Assessment for learning does include both formative and summative assessment. In this blog,…
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Spreading Christmas cheer with our free Christmas Resource Bundle
Christmas is just around the corner and the festivities may have already started in school. Preparations for EYFS and KS1 Nativities or KS2 performances are well underway, and your mind will soon turn to Christmas party games. It can be both a hectic but really enjoyable time at school, especially for the children, and it’s…
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Getting the most out of your Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction
The Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction is a vital part of your journey into teaching. Formerly known as the Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year, the new ECT induction period now includes an additional year to support you in demonstrating how your performance in the classroom meets the teachers’ standards. The ECT induction has been designed…
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) in primary education
According to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Playbook, ‘DEIJ refers to the work of making organisations places that value the presence of differences in identities, cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and expectations. DEIJ work acknowledges that we do not all start from the same place and emphasises that we must strive to adjust to address…
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Why a project-based approach to learning can help improve your primary curriculum
A project-based approach to teaching the curriculum is a pedagogical approach where children study units of work set in a thematic context. Unlike more traditional approaches to learning, which focus on more passive transmission-based learning, a project-based approach can raise academic achievement, increase children’s motivation and help them develop educational and social skills crucial for…
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How to create and manage a primary home learning curriculum: a step-by-step guide
As the education world increasingly embraces flexible learning models, many parents and carers are opting for home-based education. Designing and managing a primary home learning curriculum may seem daunting at first, but with proper planning and thoughtful implementation, it can be a rewarding option for both you and your child. This blog outlines key steps…
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The secret to streamlining your weekly planning in the primary classroom
What is weekly planning? In its simplest form, weekly planning is a working document that shows what a teacher is planning to teach over the period of a week. Typically, a weekly plan is constructed after long-term and medium-term plans have been completed. It’s these plans which will normally outline the bigger picture of what…
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Labour’s curriculum review 2024 – What’s going on?
The Labour Party was elected to government on 4th July 2024. Even before they were elected, it was clear from their manifesto that there was going to be a review of the national curriculum. Now in power, the government has already set up an independent expert-led ‘Curriculum and Assessment Review’ group who will undertake the…
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How to localise your primary curriculum
Whether you create your curriculum from scratch or adopt a published scheme, one crucial element that requires careful consideration from subject leaders and teachers is making the curriculum bespoke for your school’s context. It requires meticulous planning to ensure rich connections between curriculum content and meaningful learning experiences, and the fostering of lasting partnerships between…
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Building a quality curriculum for the early years
With the early years being a key focus on the new government’s education and childcare plans, it’s time to ask, ‘Does our early years curriculum provide our children with the best quality of education?’ In this blog, we highlight some of Labour’s plans for the early years sector and explain how Cornerstones’ early years curriculum…
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A guide to mixed-age planning for EYFS and KS1
Why do schools have mixed-age classes? Primary schools have many different sizes and class structures – from large, single-form entry schools with over 90 children in a year group, to small schools that might only have one child in a year group. Smaller schools often have a mix of EYFS and KS1 children in the…
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How to support teaching and learning in a mixed-age classroom
Have you ever wondered what it is like to lead or teach in a school with mixed-age classes? Planning to teach a mixed-age class can be very daunting, with many components to consider. In this blog, curriculum adviser Nicola Marriott explores how to navigate the pros and cons of mixed-age classes to get the best…
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How to deliver excellent history lessons
History in primary education History is a powerful foundation subject that is used as a main driver for many class topics and projects in primary education. Tim Jenner, HMI and Ofsted’s subject lead for history, asserts the important role the subject of history performs in his blog, ‘History in outstanding primary schools’: ‘History is vital…
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Primary children’s wellbeing in the classroom
In this blog, we highlight the importance of teacher wellbeing and explore ways that happy teachers can help children’s wellbeing. What’s more, we look ahead to the new autumn term and offer some helpful tips and suggestions for creating a happy and harmonious first few weeks back at school. This includes opportunities for booking yourself…
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Subject leadership in the primary science curriculum
Science is a crucial subject in the primary curriculum. It helps children to develop an understanding of the natural world and the processes that govern it. Science education at primary level should develop children’s curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills. In this blog, Curriculum Director Melanie Moore explores the importance of primary science and the…
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Subject leadership in the primary design and technology curriculum
Good subject leadership in primary design and technology ensures an effective curriculum, helps children to learn about the designed world and supports teachers in teaching the subject well. How a subject leader leads and manages the curriculum is also an integral part of an Ofsted inspection. In this blog, curriculum expert and Cornerstones Director Melanie…
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Subject leadership in the primary geography curriculum
Subject leadership in primary schools is essential for an effective curriculum that helps children learn and teachers teach. Moreover, the role of the subject leader is becoming increasingly important for a positive Ofsted outcome. In this blog, curriculum expert and Cornerstones Director Melanie Moore looks at the importance of geography as a subject and the…
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How to sequence your primary curriculum
A well-sequenced curriculum is one of the top priorities for primary schools in England and central to Ofsted’s quality of education judgement. Cognitive science tells us that your children can know and do more when your curriculum is well-sequenced, and this is now influencing how learning is planned and assessed. Sequencing your curriculum is a…
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How to provide excellent opportunities for early reading
Reading influences every aspect of our daily lives. With our reading confidence determined at an early age, effectively teaching this key skill to EYFS children can significantly impact their future. The question for primary teachers is, how do you enable each child in your class to become a confident reader? In this blog, EYFS expert…
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How to balance knowledge and skills in the primary curriculum
What does it mean to have a good education? Is it a store of useful knowledge or a flexible skillset for a rapidly changing world? Is there a distinction between knowledge and skills? This blog looks at the meaning of the terms ‘knowledge’ and ‘skills’ in the national curriculum and how primary schools can get…
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Developing cultural capital in your primary school
Cultural capital has become an increasingly familiar phrase concerning the curriculum. In this blog, I explain in simple terms the theory of cultural capital and how you can easily embed it within your primary curriculum.
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What is pedagogy and why is it important in the primary school?
Melanie Moore, Cornerstones Founder and Curriculum Director, explores the meaning and importance of pedagogy and explains why this is an essential part of any school’s approach to the curriculum.
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Teaching Approaches in the Early Years Part 2
In Part 1, we looked at approaches to learning in the early years and showed the importance of finding a balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated learning. This blog explores the fundamental principles of the EYFS and explains how to tailor teaching and the curriculum to suit children’s needs. The unique child Knowing your class and…
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Teaching Approaches in the Early Years Part 1
Teaching Approaches in the Early Years Part 1 Ofsted’s focus on curriculum and the changes to the EYFS framework has left even some of the most experienced teachers feeling they have lost their confidence. Conversations we have had with teachers show confusion around what ethos and teaching approaches they should use with early years children.…
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Curriculum intent for primary schools
Unless you’ve been hiding away for the last few years, you’ll most definitely have heard the phrase ‘curriculum intent’ by now. To its credit, the inspectorate has certainly done much to clarify the term and debunk myths around what they expect when it comes to the design and development of your curriculum. What Ofsted say…
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Six Steps of Curriculum Design
Designing a curriculum isn’t easy. It is a complicated process that needs to be carefully thought through and involves much strategic decision-making. In this blog, Curriculum Director Melanie Moore shares the simple six-step process we have developed to help you design an effective, exciting curriculum.
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What are curriculum principles?
Why do you have the curriculum you have? Why do you make the choices you do? How do your educational principles impact your curriculum? In this blog, Melanie Moore, Cornerstones’ Curriculum Director, looks at how to identify your curriculum principles and why knowing your principles well is crucial for an authentic curriculum.
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What to expect from your Ofsted deep dive
With deep dives now an established part of school inspection, it’s natural to wonder how well the subject you lead will fare under scrutiny. This blog is for you, as a subject or senior leader, to help you get to grips with what it means to survive a deep dive. And we asked Ofsted’s Matthew…
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The importance of continuous provision in the early years
In this blog, experienced early years adviser and Cornerstones Director, Melanie Moore, discusses why continuous provision is so important for children’s early development – and how to get it right. Most early years practitioners recognise continuous provision as the resources they offer children as part of an enabling environment or the resources that are safe…
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Science is a core subject in the primary curriculum (isn’t it?)
The timetable is a crowded place. Fitting all the subjects of the national curriculum into your weekly or even termly plans is not easy to do. Many schools have an hour of science a week but some are more flexible and can do more. If we look at the common ‘hour a week’ model, then,…
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Why subject leadership is crucial to the success of your primary curriculum
Subject leadership is a top priority for most primary schools, especially with the demands of the Ofsted inspection framework (2020). Ofsted’s new inspection framework challenges schools to implement a carefully planned, broad and balanced curriculum – something that many of us in the primary sector have always believed matters for children. The success of a…