Big questions, growing independence and plenty of “Look what I can do!” moments.

Year 1 is an exciting next step. Building on their experiences in Reception, children become increasingly confident readers, writers and mathematicians while discovering more about the world around them. We balance ambition with care, helping every child feel included, enjoy new challenges and take pride in their achievements.

Little readers, big adventures

Learning to read opens doors to everything else. Our daily Read Write Inc. phonics sessions give children a structured, supportive start, with additional practice for those who need it.

In 2026, 84% of our Year 1 children met the expected standard in the phonics screening check, up from 79.2% in 2025. An impressive 38% scored 39 or 40 out of 40.

Behind these results are the moments that matter to families: recognising a new word, reading a favourite story aloud and discovering, “I can do this myself!” We build on strong early foundations: 84% of our Reception children achieved a Good Level of Development in 2026, following a 2025 result of 75%, comfortably above that year’s national figure of 68.3%.

Wonderful books bring our learning to life. The Queen’s Hat has inspired children’s own adventures, complete with a surprise royal visitor! Through Bright Lights, Big City, children have explored London and written diary entries inspired by Samuel Pepys. Learning about inventor Lonnie Johnson has encouraged them to ask questions, discover remarkable achievements and share their ideas through writing.

Maths that makes sense

Children build a secure sense of number through practical resources, clear explanations and opportunities to talk about their thinking. Teachers show how an idea works, explore it together with the class and then support children to have a go independently.

Whether making number bonds with counters or moving the hands of a clock to show o’clock and half past, children learn to see it, explain it and use it. We revisit foundational knowledge regularly, helping new learning become secure and giving children the confidence to tackle the next challenge.

Discovering a bigger world

Our learning journeys give children plenty to investigate, create and discuss. Exploring the human body and senses encourages them to observe carefully and begin thinking like scientists. History and geography spark questions about people, places and how life has changed.

Experiences beyond the classroom make these discoveries memorable. Pupils have the opportunity to visit either Warwick Castle or Blenheim Palace bringing their learning in history to life, while practical activities such as making Eton Mess give children opportunities to read instructions, follow a sequence and work together—with a delicious result!

Small people making a difference

Children learn that their ideas and actions matter. When Year 1 pupils chose to help care for the playground by litter picking, they showed how even small actions can make a difference to our shared environment.

We encourage children to be caring, creative and honest, to include others and to keep trying when something feels difficult. Our vision—“Encourage one another and build each other up”—comes alive as children celebrate a friend’s success, offer help and grow together.

Each term, families receive a curriculum overview outlining the learning journey, accompanied by knowledge organisers introducing key concepts and vocabulary. Current families can find these and further information on our Parent Portal. Fluency homework offers opportunities to revisit vocabulary and foundational knowledge, share discoveries at home and enjoy learning together.

Year 1 Long-term Plan