At St Nicholas CE Infants' School we aim to develop the abilities of all children to communicate effectively in speaking and in writing; to listen with understanding and to become enthusiastic and insightful readers so that they can take pleasure in their use of English.

We follow Development Matters in the EYFS and the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1. Communication, Language and Literacy skills are taught on a daily basis in Nursery, Reception and Key Stage 1. These foundational skills are then applied in cross curricular learning opportunities. English specific teaching and learning takes place within a whole class setting (shared/modelled reading and writing) and within guided reading and writing groups. Within guided groups, good practice is shared and modelled and the children also work independently or with a partner on set tasks. Teachers use a variety of interactive teaching methods to deliver the curriculum and achieve set learning objectives. These learning objectives are then assessed with this assessment feeding into planning for the next English session.

Teaching Approach

In Nursery and Reception, children learn in language-rich environments with well‑resourced areas that promote early communication, reading and writing. Adults model ambitious vocabulary and encourage children to express ideas through purposeful, meaningful activities. Alongside stories, storytelling, guided reading and home reading, there is a strong focus on securing the foundational skills that underpin later success, particularly early language, phonics and early writing.

Nursery and Reception children begin their journey with The Write Stuff by meeting Grandma Fantastic who introduces new vocabulary and supports early sentence skills. 

In Key Stage 1, units of work are planned using the National Curriculum statutory guidance and are linked in context to other areas of learning. The Write Stuff continues to shape writing lessons, with each unit built around carefully chosen high quality books and supporting texts. Every plan has a clear writing outcome with a defined purpose and audience. Across the year, each year group enjoys a balance of narrative, non-fiction and poetry. End of year expectations guide planning and assessment so that children make secure progress and develop confidence as young writers.