Computing

Intent

At Stourfield Infant School, we recognise that technology is everywhere and will play an essential role in our children’s lives. Our vision is to equip them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to use technology in a positive, responsible and safe way.

We believe that early education is pivotal in shaping lifelong, positive experiences with technology. Through engaging, hands-on learning, we aim to:

• Develop Digital Confidence – Foster curiosity and enthusiasm for technology by providing opportunities to explore and experiment in a safe and supportive environment.
• Show the Power of Technology for Good – Help children understand how technology can be used to create, communicate, solve problems and be used in a variety of different ways.
• Promote Computational Thinking – Our Computing Curriculum starts in Reception. It lays strong foundations for logical reasoning, sequencing and problem-solving through both unplugged activities and early coding experiences.
• Encourage Safe and Responsible Use – Teach children about a variety of different aspects about online safety: including privacy, ownership, online relationships and bullying
• Embed Technology Across Learning – Use technology to enhance creativity, collaboration, and learning across all areas of the curriculum in meaningful and engaging ways.

By instilling these values from the very beginning, we empower our children to embrace the digital world with confidence, curiosity and responsibility.

How Do We Achieve This?

We ensure our vision for computing is brought to life through:

• A High-Quality Curriculum – Delivered by skilled teachers, our computing curriculum is carefully designed to be engaging, progressive, and accessible for all learners.
• Dedicated Learning Spaces – Weekly computing lessons take place in our well-equipped Computing Room, providing an immersive and focused learning environment.
• Excellent Resources – Our range of technology, including laptops, iPads, and floor robots, supports a rich and dynamic curriculum. Each child has access to their own laptop during lessons, while our shared iPads and robots encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration.
• Participation in Key Events – We take part in national initiatives such as Safer Internet Day, reinforcing the importance of responsible and safe technology use.
• Extra-Curricular Opportunities – Our Computing Clubs, open to all year groups, provide additional chances for children to develop their skills, explore new technologies, and nurture a lifelong interest in computing.

EYFS

The new EYFS Framework does not include any statements regarding Computing. That doesn’t mean we don’t teach it to our youngest learners. We focus on the ‘Barefoot Computational Thinking Skills’.

‘Computational Thinking’ is a set of problem solving skills that we can use in everyday life and are threaded into our practise. The Early Learning Goals and Characteristics of Effective Learning are filled with Computational Thinking!

The new EYFS Framework does not explicitly reference Computing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an essential part of learning for our youngest children. Instead, we embed Barefoot Computational Thinking Skills into our everyday teaching.

Computational Thinking is a powerful set of problem-solving skills that children can apply across all areas of learning and daily life. These skills are naturally woven into our practice, supporting exploration, reasoning and creativity. In fact, the Early Learning Goals and Characteristics of Effective Learning are rich with opportunities to develop Computational Thinking, helping to build strong foundations for future learning.