Strong Foundations, Part Two: Designing a Curriculum That Builds from the Ground Up

In this episode, I continue the Strong Foundations series by exploring what strong curriculum design looks like in the earliest years of education — how it’s structured, how it’s experienced, and how it prepares children for what comes next. The episode unpacks how to design a curriculum that is intentional, coherent and ambitious, helping every child — including those who haven’t yet reached a good level of development — to close gaps and build secure knowledge over time. In this episode, we revisit the prime and specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, exploring the role of the Early Learning Goals, and discussing how the educational programmes within the EYFS statutory framework connect to the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum. Using practical examples from real classrooms — including how a city-based Reception unit explores Farmer Duck to build geographical, mathematical and scientific understanding — I show how a well-sequenced curriculum can strengthen vocabulary, reasoning and comprehension through purposeful play and direct teaching. Listeners will gain insight into: How strong curriculum design supports equity and readiness for Key Stage 1. The interplay between direct teaching, continuous provision, and intentional adult interaction. How early experiences in reading, writing, number and scientific enquiry connect to later learning. Practical ways to align EYFS curriculum content with Key Stage 1 expectations. Who this episode is for: Headteachers, EYFS leads, curriculum leaders and subject coordinators working to build a coherent and connected early curriculum that genuinely prepares children for success. 💎 Premium Member Resource Premium members can download the EYFS to Key Stage 1 Curriculum Continuity Framework – Expanded Edition (Micro Foundations). This comprehensive document: Breaks down Key Stage 1 national curriculum content in English, Mathematics and Science into micro foundations of knowledge that must be established in EYFS. Provides incremental developmental steps for spoken language, reading, writing, number, calculation, reasoning, and enquiry skills. Includes leadership reflection prompts to guide joint discussions between EYFS and subject leaders. Supports schools in curriculum mapping, transition planning and CPD delivery. Sign up for our Premium Members' Hub here: https://tinyurl.com/theleadershiplenspremium This resource is designed to make phase transition conversations purposeful, evidence-informed and fully aligned to national curriculum expectations. Premium members can access the download in the Member Hub now.