Foundational Skills
At Okehampton Primary School, our vision- with respect, kindness and resilience, we flourish together - shapes everything we do. We are committed to nurturing confident, curious and resilient learners who are encouraged to aspire, achieve and thrive. We support every child to develop a love of learning, a sense of belonging and the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. This commitment is central to our approach to early learning. We believe that when children are provided with strong foundations in their earliest years, they are empowered to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. By establishing positive relationships, high expectations and engaging learning experiences, we ensure that every child is given the very best start to their educational journey and beyond.
What We Mean By Strong Foundations
" Strong Foundations" draws on the guidance published by the Department of Education and Ofsted, highlighting the importance of ensuring children secure essential early knowledge and skills so they are well prepared for future learning.
At the heart of this approach is:
Securing The Basics Early
In order for children to have a secure, confident understanding of early reading and phonics, early writing, early number, communication, social and physical development. These fundamentals act as the building blocks for later, more complex understanding.
At Okehampton Primary School, we teach early reading, phonics, handwriting and spelling through the Ruth Miskin (Read Write Inc.) approach. This ensures consistency, clarity and strong progression for every child. For pupils who need extra support, we believe in giving them the very best chance to succeed. We use Lexia and Fresh Start to accelerate progress, ensuring no child is left behind.
A Clear and Coherent Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to help children flourish in their learning through carefully sequenced steps. Each new skill builds securely on what children already know, helping them to remember mor for longer.
In Maths, we use Mastering Number to ensure that children develop fluency, number sense and confidence.
In English, we enhance our curriculum with Lexia and Read Write Inc spelling.
Focus on Fluency and Mastery
We aim for children not simply to complete tasks but to become fluent, confident learners.
This means:
- Embedding deep practice rather than rushing ahead;
- Practising skill repeatedly so they become automatic;
- Helping children build long-term confidence and enjoyment in learning.
This aligns closely with our school values: we ensure children are resilient in their learning to ensuring strong roots that support children to flourish.
Helping all Children to Succeed.
We Learn Together.
Our Early Years and key stage one provision is designed to ensure that every child- including those who join us with limited early learning experiences - is supported to thrive.
Our staff team closely monitors progress and adapts teaching to meet children's needs, ensuring equity. oppotunity and genuine inclusion.
What Strong Foundations Look like
When we speak about "strong foundations," we mean:
- Teaching and reinforcing the basics in a way that makes sense to young learners;
- Giving children many opportunities to practise so they become secure and confident;
- Ensuring children feel successful and ready for each new step;
- Planning learning so that every new skill builds on what came before;
- Weaving together our vision and faith to create a nurturing and purposeful environment.
This is not about teaching to a test.
It is about forming children who are confident, curious and capable, rooted in strong early learning surrounded by adults who believe in them.