National Curriculum

What is the National Curriculum in primary and secondary schools?

The National Curriculum is a blueprint used by schools to ensure that teaching standards are universally consistent.

On 20 January 2011 the Secretary of State for Education announced a review of the National Curriculum in England. The review will look at the National Curriculum for both primary and secondary schools with the aim of developing a coherent curriculum which allows children to build their knowledge systematically and consistently, and supports transition through from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. 

The new National Curriculum will set out only the essential knowledge that all children should acquire, and give schools and teachers more freedom to decide how to teach this most effectively and to design a wider school curriculum that best meets the needs of their pupils. 

Following public consultations, new Programmes of Study for English, mathematics, science and physical education will be made available to schools in September 2012. These will become statutory in September 2013 when new Programmes of Study for all other subjects included in the new National Curriculum will be also made available to schools.

From September 2014, teaching of the new Programmes of Study for all other subjects to be included in the National Curriculum will become statutory.

While the review is being conducted, the existing National Curriculum requirements for both primary and secondary schools will remain in force and schools will plan on that basis.

DfE - Primary Curriculum Subjects (external website)

DfE - Secondary Curriculum Subjects (external website)

Direct.gov - Understanding the National Curriculum (external website)

What is the National Curriculum in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

A national review of the Early Years Foundation Stage began in September 2010 and the final report was published in Spring 2011. The Government will then consult on any proposed changes before they take effect from September 2012.

While the review was being conducted, the existing EYFS areas of Learning and Development will remain the basis for EYFS practitioners. 

Further information for parents (external website)

What if I have an issue with the curriculum in an East Riding school?

Parents are advised to contact their child's school direct to discuss specific issues with the curriculum.

To find the contact details of all East Riding schools please use the Learning Centre Finder.

There will also be a School Improvement Service Adviser in the role of 'Improvement Adviser - Curriculum and Transition' who you can contact to ask specific questions about your or your child's school's curriculum.

How can I make sure my child is safe when using the Internet?

You can find out really useful advice and information for keeping your child(ren) safe whilst they are using the Internet from a variety of organisations and websites.  Council education practitioners recommend the following website from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre as an excellent place to start finding out how to protect your child online.

Think You Know (CEOP) Centre - Parents section (external website)

What is the Education White Paper?

The schools White Paper, 'The Importance of Teaching', sets out a reform programme for the schools system, with schools freed from the constraints of central Government direction and teachers placed at the heart of school improvement. 

The Importance of Teaching White Paper - GOV.UK (external website)

The White Paper embodies the government's vision that the National Curriculum should set out only the essential knowledge and understanding that all children should acquire and leave teachers to decide how to teach this most effectively.