Reception

Automatically knowing that each number to 10 is composed of smaller numbers and exploring these compositions, including understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction.

Example task:

I have 8 sweets. I give you 3. How many do I have left? How do you know? Can you think of another number fact using 8, 3 and 5?

Numerical Patterns

Verbal Counting Beyond 20

Verbally counting beyond 20, recognising the pattern of the counting system and using it to count to at least 50 with reasonable accuracy.

Example task:

Count from 1 to 50. What helps you know what comes next?

Listening, Attention and Understanding

Sustained Listening

Listening attentively and responding to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions during whole-class activities and small-group discussions.

Example task:

During a group discussion about 'What makes a good friend?', listen to other children's ideas and add your own that builds on what they said.

Speaking

Vocabulary in Context

Using new vocabulary throughout the day in different contexts, demonstrating understanding of the word's meaning and using it accurately and appropriately.

Example task:

Observe whether the child uses vocabulary from the week's learning in contexts beyond the taught activity.

Creating with Materials

Materials Exploration and Experimentation

Safely using and exploring a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.

Example task:

Create something that represents 'under the sea' using any materials you like. Explain your choices.

Being Imaginative and Expressive

Storytelling and Narrative Invention

Inventing and adapting narratives with characters, settings, problems and resolutions, performing and retelling them to others with expression and detail.

Example task:

Make up a story to perform to the class. Include characters with feelings and a problem that gets solved.

Comprehension

Story Retelling

Retelling stories accurately in sequence, using story language and vocabulary from the text, and including details about characters' feelings and motivations.

Example task:

Retell a recently heard story without picture support, including how the characters felt.

Word Reading

Letter-Sound Knowledge

Saying a sound for each letter in the alphabet confidently and quickly, and knowing at least some letter groups that represent one sound (digraphs).

Example task:

Rapid letter sound recognition: show all 26 letters in random order plus 5 common digraphs (sh, ch, th, ng, ai).

Self-Regulation

Emotional Identification and Self-Awareness

Talking about their own and others' feelings confidently, explaining why they feel that way, and showing awareness that others may feel differently.

Example task:

During a disagreement over a toy, observe whether the child can name their emotion and consider the other child's feelings.

Managing Self

Resilience and Persistence

Persevering when tasks are challenging, managing frustration, adapting their approach, and bouncing back from setbacks without persistent distress.

Example task:

The child is learning to write their name. The letter 's' keeps going wrong. Observe their persistence and self-regulation.

Gross Motor Skills

Spatial Awareness and Safety

Moving confidently in a range of ways, negotiating space successfully, adjusting speed and direction, and showing awareness of others and the environment for safety.

Example task:

During outdoor play on a busy climbing frame area, observe the child's spatial awareness and safe movement.

Fine Motor Skills

Tripod Grip and Pencil Control

Holding a pencil effectively with a comfortable tripod grip, using it with good control to form recognisable letters.

Example task:

Ask the child to write their first name and draw a detailed picture of themselves.

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