Intent

Our aim is for children to become confident, enthusiastic, independent, creative and responsible users of technology.

All children have a weekly lesson with a specialist primary computing teacher in the school computer suite in addition to using technology in their learning across other areas of the curriculum. 

From Reception onwards, children are encouraged to explore technology around them by using electronic toys, sound recording and listening devices and suitable programs and websites on computers and tablets. 

A carefully planned and progressive curriculum ensures that by Year 6 children can use a range of technology equipment and programs and can develop, write and debug their own programs in Scratch code. 

All children develop their typing skills, working towards touch typing, through regular practice with appropriate keyboard games and teaching websites.
Learning about e-safety is integrated into computing topics in every year group.
From Year 3 children learn how to use Google Classroom to access learning both in school and at home.

Our computer suite is equipped with a projector and sufficient laptop computers for a class of children to work individually. All classrooms are have the latest interactive panel display screens and several laptop computers, plus additional access to shared laptops. 

The hall has a computer linked to a large TV monitor which is used for music, dance and drama lessons and whole school worship.

SEND

Our expectation is that IT and computing is for everyone. Whilst we encourage children to support one another with technical problems, they must do this by pointing and explaining – not taking over. We learn better when we do things ourselves and even better when we explain something to somebody else. Computing covers a wide range of skills and knowledge and allows different children to shine in different areas. We recognise that children who may find literacy based activities challenging can achieve highly in graphics work or programming activities and vice versa. The hands-on practicality of computing and working on digital devices can be very motivating.

In computing lessons, key vocabulary is presented aurally and visually and revisited regularly. Teaching content is carefully sequenced and revisited as children move up the school.

Scaffolding is provided for reading, writing and spelling or completing more complex tasks e.g. password cards, vocabulary written individually on paper or mini whiteboard, list of steps to follow, adult support. For the IT Suite, each class has a seating plan with careful thought given to individual needs. Effort is recognised alongside achievement.

Assistive technology is available and used as needed both within computing lessons and across other curriculum areas – e.g. button switch/ tracker ball/ Big Keys keyboard, alternative screen, magnification settings on laptops, iPad with dictation facility, Kindle reader, tablet pen, coloured filters.

Software and online activities accessed via computers and tablets are also used across the school to support reading, spelling, grammar and maths. E.g. Nessy and Sumdog.