Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement

 

Intent

At Samlesbury CE Primary School, our intention is for every child to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in a digital world. We want all children to see themselves as capable, creative and responsible users of technology. Through our Computing curriculum, we aim to equip pupils with the skills to:

  • Think critically and problem-solve using computational thinking.
  • Use a wide range of technology for different purposes, including creating, organising and presenting content.
  • Understand the principles of Computer Science, including coding and understanding how digital systems work.
  • Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, developing strong e-safety awareness.

We want children to recognise the many benefits of technology while also understanding the risks and challenges that come with using it. E-safety is an essential part of our curriculum; we are committed to ensuring that all pupils leave our school knowing how to protect themselves online and act as responsible digital citizens.

Our Computing curriculum reflects our school’s Christian vision of helping every child to let their light shine, developing the confidence, creativity and ethical awareness to navigate and shape the digital world.

 

Implementation

At Samlesbury Church of England Primary School, we deliver the Computing curriculum through the Teach Computing scheme of work, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). This scheme is carefully designed to ensure that pupils in Years 1 to 6 follow a progressive sequence of skills and knowledge across the three key strands of the National Curriculum for Computing:

  • Computer Science – learning about algorithms, programming, debugging, and logical reasoning.
  • Information Technology – using technology to create, organise, store, and present digital content and data.
  • Digital Literacy – learning to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly, including understanding online risks, privacy, and the impact of their digital footprint.

Computing is taught once a week, using Chromebooks with touchscreens, micro:bits and other technology, giving children varied and hands-on experiences with modern technology. Each unit builds on prior learning, and lessons are practical, interactive, and designed to engage all learners.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we use Barefoot Computing resources to introduce young children to computing concepts through playful, accessible activities linked to the EYFS framework. This approach supports early development of computational thinking and safe digital behaviours.

E-safety is taught explicitly in every year group. Key messages about online safety are reinforced through PSHE lessons, assemblies, worship, and participation in national events such as Safer Internet Day. Our curriculum helps children recognise potential dangers online, understand acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, and know how and where to report concerns.

Children’s learning is assessed at the end of each unit against clear objectives aligned with the Teach Computing scheme. These assessments help teachers monitor progress and plan next steps. Assessment outcomes are reported to parents through formal school reports, keeping families informed of their child’s development.

Computing skills are also integrated into other subjects through cross-curricular projects, allowing pupils to apply what they have learned in meaningful contexts. Collaborative digital projects develop communication and teamwork skills, while opportunities to explore new technologies broaden children’s understanding of the digital world.

Staff are supported through the comprehensive Teach Computing resources, which include teacher guidance and subject knowledge development. The subject leader attends regular training and provides ongoing support to ensure high-quality, consistent teaching across the school.

 

Impact

We measure the impact of our Computing curriculum through:

  • Ongoing assessment in lessons, observing practical tasks and evaluating pupils’ understanding.
  • End-of-unit projects and tasks, allowing children to apply their skills in context.
  • Monitoring of work, discussions with pupils and pupil voice feedback.
  • Tracking of progress twice a year, with updates shared in annual reports to parents.

By the time pupils leave Samlesbury CE Primary School, they will:

  • Be competent, confident and creative users of technology.
  • Understand how to write, debug and improve simple programmes using coding skills.
  • Know how to use a range of software and devices to present and communicate information effectively.
  • Have a secure understanding of e-safety, knowing how to stay safe, protect their privacy, and where to go for help if needed.
  • Recognise their responsibilities as digital citizens, including respecting others online and understanding the impact of their online behaviour.
  • Be well-prepared for secondary education and the wider digital world, with a balanced understanding of the opportunities and risks that technology brings.

Our aim is for every child to not only use technology but to do so thoughtfully, responsibly and with creativity, ready to thrive in the digital age.