Right from Reception, the children are introduced to the 8 essential skills through their lessons, outdoor play and extra-curricular sessions. From this very early age, children's skills in teamwork, listening and speaking are developed - this may involve the use of role play, games or simply being able to listen and talk to their peers and adults. Heading into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, the children take part in Challenge Days throughout the course of the year and this year, Years 4, 5 and 6 have also been involved with virtual trips. By introducing events such as Arts Day and Careers Week, the children throughout the entire school, were able to put many of the essential skills into practice. This was evident throughout discussions, final pieces and displays.

Using the Skills Builder Hub assessment tool and the descriptions associated with each step for each skill has enabled teachers to grasp a clearer understanding of where each child is within the class. Within lessons, teachers are encouraged to recognise children who have really demonstrated a particular focus skill and this is celebrated by awarding the child with a House Token.

The Skills Builder Challenge Days have ensured that essential skills are established and then embedded. We ensure the posters and signposting on flipcharts allow pupils to regularly make reference and develop their essential skills. During observations this year, we have seen how the teachers consistently make reference to this.

Once a term, the children are immersed into a Skills Builder Challenge Day. This really does allow the children to put into practice the skills that have been taught and practised throughout the half term. Our new scheme of work in PE has allowed for many of the essential skills to be implemented, even without the children being aware of it! In addition to these, and as mentioned above, we plan and organised days such as Arts Day and Careers Week where skills are built upon even further. As a school, we have now been able to again offer various clubs, such as Sports, Arts and Dance.

This year, we have been able to work with several employers to allow the children participating in the virtual trips to gain a better understanding of some of the skills required in the workplace. These opportunities have really been insightful for the children and has allowed them to ask questions about the skills required to carry out a particular job role within the employment area. Enabling the children to also participate in Challenge Days throughout the year has again assisted children in understanding the importance of why we teach the essential skills at school and how these link to the working world.