What is foundational knowledge, and what is the impact if we don’t get it right?
Ofsted’s renewed framework asks inspectors to evaluate how effectively pupils are enabled to secure strong foundations so they can access the curriculum.
In English, that means the essentials: back-and-forth conversation, reading, handwriting, spelling and sentence construction. Without these building blocks secured in long-term memory, pupils face cognitive overload – struggling to compose a sentence while also wrestling with letter formation, spelling and the demands of the task itself. The gap widens, and it widens fastest for the pupils who can least afford it.
This webinar unpacks what strong foundations in English actually look like in practice, why they matter beyond inspection, and how schools can identify and close the gaps. Drawing on best practice from across primary, it offers practical top tips teachers and teacher assistants.
Learning outcomes
- Define foundational knowledge in English – oracy, reading, handwriting, spelling and sentence-level writing – and explain how Ofsted’s framework positions it within the Achievement evaluation area
- Explain why securing these foundations in long-term memory reduces cognitive load and unlocks access to the wider curriculum and identify the risks when they aren’t secure
- Apply practical, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen foundations in their own classroom or across their school and evaluate where the gaps currently sit.
Audience: Teachers, Reading and Writing Leads
