Evidence & Curriculum
National Curriculum Links
Playtime is not separate from learning — it is learning. Here is how Playground Engagement directly supports 17 National Curriculum objectives across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
Purpose
This document demonstrates how Playground Engagement supports curriculum objectives, personal development, oracy, communication, leadership and careers-related learning. It is designed to help school leaders evidence the impact of lunchtime provision within their broader curriculum intent.
All 17 Areas
Curriculum Objective by Objective
EYFS — Communication & Language
Early YearsEYFS
Curriculum Objective
"Listening, attention, understanding and speaking"
Children practise turn-taking, explaining games, negotiating roles and communicating with peers.
EYFS — Physical Development
Early YearsEYFS
Curriculum Objective
"Gross motor skills, coordination and movement"
Active play develops balance, coordination, agility and physical confidence.
EYFS — PSED
Early YearsEYFS
Curriculum Objective
"Relationships, self-regulation and confidence"
Play develops friendships, resilience, independence and emotional regulation.
English — Spoken Language / Oracy
EnglishKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Articulate ideas, listen, respond, ask questions and participate in discussion"
Games provide authentic opportunities for speaking, listening, leadership and negotiation.
PE — KS1
Physical EducationKS1
Curriculum Objective
"Master basic movements and participate in team games"
Structured games reinforce movement skills and teamwork.
PE — KS2
Physical EducationKS2
Curriculum Objective
"Apply running, jumping, throwing, catching and tactical skills"
Children transfer PE learning into purposeful play situations.
Relationships Education
RSHEKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Positive friendships, respect and conflict resolution"
Playtimes provide daily opportunities to practise social skills.
Health Education
RSHEKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Mental wellbeing and physical activity"
Active, inclusive play supports wellbeing, regulation and healthy lifestyles.
Citizenship
CitizenshipKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Responsibility, fairness and participation"
Play leaders and pupil roles develop active citizenship and responsibility.
Careers-Related Learning
CareersKS2
Curriculum Objective
"Leadership, teamwork, communication and problem solving"
Children develop employability skills through leadership and collaborative play.
Computing
ComputingKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Use technology purposefully"
Pupils can create surveys, activity guides and digital pupil voice projects.
Design & Technology
D&TKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Design, make and evaluate"
Children design games, playground systems and activity resources.
Mathematics
MathematicsKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Reasoning, measuring and data handling"
Games involve scoring, timing, counting and analysing results.
Science
ScienceKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Movement, health and physical processes"
Play provides practical examples of exercise, forces and movement.
Geography
GeographyKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Fieldwork and mapping"
Children can map playground zones and evaluate use of space.
Art & Design
Art & DesignKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Creativity and visual communication"
Pupils create signage, murals, posters and game resources.
Music & Drama
Music & DramaKS1 & KS2
Curriculum Objective
"Performance, creativity and confidence"
Dance, role-play and performance activities encourage expression and confidence.
Personal Development
"Character, resilience, confidence and leadership"
Play develops the personal attributes required for success in school and beyond.
17
Curriculum Areas
Why This Matters
Lunchtime as Curriculum Evidence
Under the Ofsted inspection framework, inspectors look for evidence of personal development, pupil wellbeing and the quality of wider school provision — not just classroom learning. A well-structured lunchtime is curriculum evidence.
Curriculum Intent
Playtime provision can be written into your curriculum intent as a deliberate vehicle for oracy, RSHE, PE and personal development.
Pupil Voice Evidence
Our pupil voice surveys generate real data that evidences how children experience the curriculum beyond the classroom.
Personal Development
Ofsted specifically looks at how schools develop character, resilience and leadership. Play leaders and structured play deliver exactly this.
Ready to make playtime count?
See how our programme works in practice — or get in touch to talk about your school's needs.