Computing

Developing Digital Skills, Creativity and Confidence for the Future

At Winford Church of England Primary School, we believe that computing is an essential part of preparing children for life in an increasingly digital world.

Our computing curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology effectively, creatively and safely. We want children to understand not only how to use digital devices, but also how technology works and how it can help us solve problems, communicate and express our ideas.

Our Christian vision, Together we Flourish, and our values of Aspire, Belong and Care are reflected in our approach to computing. We encourage children to explore new possibilities, develop confidence in their abilities and use technology responsibly and respectfully.

Our Computing Curriculum

Computing is taught through dedicated lessons, ensuring that children develop their knowledge and skills progressively as they move through the school.

Our curriculum is guided by the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) Computing Curriculum and the National Curriculum for England.

Children have access to a shared trolley of laptops and a trolley of iPads, which are available to classes for computing lessons and learning across the wider curriculum.

Our aim is for children to become confident, creative and responsible users of technology who understand how to apply their digital skills in different situations.

The Three Main Areas of Computing

Our computing curriculum develops children's understanding across three interconnected areas.

1. Computer Science

Understanding How Computers and Technology Work

Children learn about the principles of computing, including algorithms, programming and how digital systems operate.

Their learning includes:

Understanding and creating algorithms.
Writing, testing and debugging simple programs.
Developing logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Using sequences, repetition and selection in programming.
Understanding how computers and networks work.
Recognising how technology uses instructions and data.

As children progress, they develop increasing confidence in designing and creating programs, identifying errors and improving their solutions.

2. Information Technology

Using Technology to Create, Communicate and Solve Problems

Children learn how to use digital tools effectively for different purposes.

They develop skills in:

Creating and editing digital documents.
Using images, sound and multimedia.
Organising and presenting information.
Collecting, storing and interpreting data.
Creating digital content for different audiences.
Selecting appropriate technology for different tasks.

We encourage children to make thoughtful choices about the digital tools they use and to recognise how technology can support their learning and creativity.

3. Digital Literacy

Becoming Safe, Responsible and Confident Digital Citizens

Children develop an understanding of how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.

They learn about:

Protecting personal information and privacy.
Recognising safe and unsafe online situations.
Communicating respectfully online.
Understanding their digital footprint.
Recognising unreliable or misleading information.
Knowing how to report concerns and seek help.
Developing healthy habits when using technology.

Digital literacy helps children become informed and responsible users of technology, both in school and at home.

Computing in Reception

In Reception, children begin developing an understanding of technology through practical experiences, play and exploration.

They have opportunities to develop skills such as following instructions, recognising patterns, sequencing events and solving simple problems.

Where appropriate, children explore digital devices and learn that technology can be used for different purposes.

The emphasis is on developing curiosity, confidence and the foundations of computational thinking.

Computing in Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, children begin to develop their understanding of how computers work and how technology can be used to create and communicate.

They learn to:

Follow and create simple algorithms.
Understand that programs follow instructions.
Create and debug simple programs.
Use digital devices to produce and organise content.
Recognise common uses of technology beyond school.
Understand basic principles of online safety and responsible use.

Children develop confidence in using technology independently and begin to explain their choices and decisions.

Computing in Key Stage 2

In Years 3 to 6, children build on their earlier learning and develop increasingly sophisticated computing skills.

Their learning includes:

Designing, writing and debugging programs.
Using sequence, selection and repetition.
Working with variables and different forms of input and output.
Developing logical reasoning to explain how programs work.
Understanding computer networks, including the internet.
Using search technologies effectively and evaluating digital information.
Creating and combining different forms of digital content.
Using technology responsibly, safely and respectfully.

Children are encouraged to become increasingly independent, selecting appropriate tools and applying their computing knowledge to new challenges.

Online Safety at Winford

Helping Children Stay Safe in a Digital World

Online safety is an essential part of our computing curriculum and wider safeguarding provision.

All pupils receive age-appropriate online safety education, helping them develop the knowledge and confidence to recognise risks, make safe choices and seek support when needed.

Online safety is taught through computing lessons and reinforced through PSHE, assemblies and other opportunities across the school year.

Children learn about:

Personal information and privacy – Understanding what information should be kept private.
Online relationships – Recognising safe and respectful communication.
Cyberbullying – Understanding how to respond to unkind or harmful online behaviour.
Digital footprints – Recognising that online actions can have lasting consequences.
Reliable information – Questioning what they see online and recognising that not everything on the internet is accurate.
Reporting concerns – Knowing when to stop, seek help and speak to a trusted adult.
Healthy technology habits – Developing a balanced approach to screen time and digital activities.

We want every child to understand that they can always speak to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.

Our school rules, Ready, Respectful, Safe, provide a consistent foundation for responsible behaviour both online and offline.

Computing Across the Curriculum

Although computing is taught as a discrete subject, digital technology also supports learning across the wider curriculum.

Our shared laptops and iPads allow children to apply their computing skills in different subjects.

For example, technology may be used to:

Research and investigate topics in History and Geography.
Record and present findings in Science.
Develop writing, editing and presentation skills in English.
Explore data, graphs and mathematical concepts.
Create artwork, music and multimedia projects.
Record and reflect on learning.

These opportunities help children recognise that computing is not simply a subject in its own right, but a valuable tool for learning, creativity and communication.

Developing Computational Thinking

An important part of computing is helping children develop the ability to think logically and solve problems.

Children learn to:

Break larger problems into smaller, manageable steps.
Identify patterns and similarities.
Create clear sequences of instructions.
Test ideas and identify mistakes.
Adapt and improve their solutions.
Explain their reasoning.

These skills are useful far beyond computing lessons, supporting children's confidence, resilience and problem-solving across the curriculum.

We encourage children to recognise that mistakes are part of learning and that testing, debugging and improving are important steps towards success.

Helping Children Know More and Remember More

Our computing curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills progressively from Reception to Year 6.

Children revisit important concepts and apply their previous learning to increasingly challenging tasks.

Teachers use clear explanations, demonstrations, practical activities and opportunities for independent exploration to support understanding.

Children are encouraged to use appropriate computing vocabulary, explain their thinking and reflect on how they can improve their work.

Through regular opportunities to practise and apply their skills, children develop increasing confidence and independence when using technology.

Supporting Every Learner

We believe that every child should be able to access and succeed in computing.

Teachers adapt learning to meet individual needs through:

Clear demonstrations and step-by-step instructions.
Visual resources and practical examples.
Opportunities to practise skills at an appropriate pace.
Paired and collaborative activities.
Additional scaffolding and adult support where appropriate.
Further challenges for children ready to extend their learning.

Technology can also provide valuable opportunities to support accessibility, communication and independence for children with additional needs.

Our aim is for every child to develop the confidence and skills needed to participate successfully in an increasingly digital world.

How Parents Can Support Computing at Home

Families play an important role in helping children develop positive digital habits and confidence with technology.

Some simple ways to support learning include:

Talk about online safety – Encourage children to share their online experiences and discuss what to do if something worries them.
Explore technology together – Use age-appropriate activities that encourage creativity and problem-solving.
Practise coding – Explore simple programming games and activities.
Encourage digital creativity – Make presentations, animations, stories or artwork using digital tools.
Discuss online information – Help children question whether information they find online is reliable.
Set healthy boundaries – Establish clear family expectations around screen time, online communication and device use.
Keep conversations open – Remind children that they can always ask for help or advice.

Parents can also find useful guidance about keeping children safe online through organisations such as Childnet, Internet Matters and UK Safer Internet Centre.