Curriculum is the vehicle; learning is the destination

At Cliftonville Primary and Pre-School our children in both the Pre-School and Reception year follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS).  Children follow the EYFS framework from birth to 5 years old and all professionals (nurseries, child-minders, teachers etc.) use this framework to plan for children’s next steps and support their holistic development.  The EYFS is a very important stage for children as it helps prepare them for more formal teaching and lifelong learning. Children’s early years’ experience should be a happy, active, exciting, fun and safe time which enables every individual child to achieve their full potential.

Here at Cliftonville Primary School we aim to ensure that all children learn by ‘doing’ and leave both our Pre-School and Reception year with a love of learning and feeling safe and excited by the opportunities that learning offers.

When our children enter year 1 they will find that our curriculum is deeply rooted in our mission, vision, values and ethos. The principles on which our curriculum intent is founded were developed as a whole staff in November 2017. Governors contributed to the policy in July 2019. There was an opportunity for parental input via the Parents’ Forum in December 2019. 

As a very large school, catering for an increasingly diverse community, it is our responsibility to enable each and every individual to achieve their best, both academically and personally. This diversity brings a richness to our school which we celebrate and capitalise on. Reading and vocabulary development are at the core of our curriculum to enable children from all backgrounds to achieve academic success.

The right to withdraw from the RE Curriculum

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the [non-statutory/non-science] sex education components of RSE.

They do not have the right to withdraw their children from relationships education. Requests for withdrawal should be put in writing and addressed to the headteacher. A copy of withdrawal requests will be placed in the pupil’s educational record. Alternative work will be given to pupils who are withdrawn from sex education aspects of RSE.

While we respect this right, we encourage parents to consider the benefits of RE:

• Respect and Understanding: RE helps children respect others and understand different views and beliefs.

• Global Awareness: It improves the childrens' knowledge of global affairs and diverse cultures.

• Personal Development: RE supports the development of ethical standards, personal happiness, and well-being.

• Community Building: It helps avoid extremism and religious discrimination, contributing to a more cohesive community.

• Critical Thinking: RE encourages critical thinking and moral judgment.

If you decide to withdraw your child, please note that the school will supervise your child during RE lessons, but will not provide extra teaching.