Primary computing scheme of work
A free primary computing scheme of work from Reception to Year 6, mapped to the KS1 and KS2 national curriculum. Each phase lists its topics, outcomes and key vocabulary, with a link to the matching Teach io learn guide.
Overview by phase
Reception
Years 1 and 2
Years 3 and 4
Years 5 and 6
Each phase is one learn guide, taught across the year group(s) shown. Teachers can set topics in any order to fit their own plan.
National curriculum, RSHE and careers links
Online risks, personal data and privacy are reinforced in these units. The full RSHE 2025 mapping is in the online safety lessons.
Every unit names jobs it leads to, so teachers can link curriculum learning to careers in each topic.
All units
The national curriculum statements are summarised from the KS1 and KS2 Computing programmes of study. EYFS follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
Phases and topics
EYFS Tech Explorers
Pupils cover technology around us, instructions, patterns, directions, using a tablet carefully and staying safe and kind.
Lessons
- Technology all around us
- Following instructions
- Patterns and sorting
- Giving directions
- Using a tablet carefully
- Staying safe and kind with technology
By the end, pupils can
- I can say what technology is.
- I can listen to an instruction and do it.
- I can spot a pattern.
- I can move forwards and backwards.
- I can tap, swipe and drag on a tablet.
Key vocabulary
Assessment: end-of-guide assessment (80% to pass each step) with exam-style questions and model answers.
KS1 Computing
Pupils cover algorithms, floor robots, block coding, debugging, creating, data and staying safe online, in short read-aloud lessons.
Lessons
- Technology around us
- Algorithms
- Programming a floor robot
- Programming on screen
- Debugging and logical reasoning
- Creating with technology
- Grouping and data
- Staying safe and respectful online
By the end, pupils can
- I can say what technology is.
- I can say what an algorithm is.
- I can say what each button on a floor robot does.
- I can say what a sprite is.
- I can say what a bug is.
Key vocabulary
Curriculum links
- NC KS1–2 AAlgorithms: understand, create and debug programs
- NC KS1–2 BLogical reasoning to explain how algorithms work
- NC KS1–2 CUse technology, the internet and search purposefully
- NC KS1–2 DUse technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
Assessment: end-of-guide assessment (80% to pass each step) with exam-style questions and model answers.
Lower KS2 Computing
Pupils cover computer systems, networks, the web, sequence, loops, selection, debugging, data and searching safely online.
Lessons
- Computer systems
- Networks
- The internet and the World Wide Web
- Sequence
- Repetition
- Selection
- Decomposition and debugging
- Data and information
- Searching and staying safe online
By the end, pupils can
- I can say what a computer does.
- I can say what a network is.
- I can say what the internet is.
- I can say what an algorithm is.
- I can say what a loop is.
Key vocabulary
Curriculum links
- NC KS1–2 AAlgorithms: understand, create and debug programs
- NC KS1–2 BLogical reasoning to explain how algorithms work
- NC KS1–2 CUse technology, the internet and search purposefully
- NC KS1–2 DUse technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
- RSHEOnline relationships and internet safety
Assessment: end-of-guide assessment (80% to pass each step) with exam-style questions and model answers.
Upper KS2 Computing
Pupils cover networks, search engines, variables, selection, loops, micro:bit-style devices, data, media and staying safe online.
Lessons
- Networks and how data travels
- Search engines and reliable information
- Variables
- Selection
- Repetition and procedures
- Physical computing
- Data: spreadsheets and databases
- Creating media
- Responsible digital citizens
By the end, pupils can
- I can explain what a network is.
- I can describe how a search engine finds and stores web pages.
- I can explain what a variable is.
- I can explain what selection is.
- I can explain the difference between repeat, forever and repeat until.
Key vocabulary
Curriculum links
- NC KS1–2 AAlgorithms: understand, create and debug programs
- NC KS1–2 BLogical reasoning to explain how algorithms work
- NC KS1–2 CUse technology, the internet and search purposefully
- NC KS1–2 DUse technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
- RSHEOnline relationships and internet safety
Assessment: end-of-guide assessment (80% to pass each step) with exam-style questions and model answers.
Frequently asked questions
Is this primary computing scheme of work free?
Yes. The scheme of work is free to use and adapt. The first lesson of every learn guide is free, and all primary learn guides are free for pupils on a Student plan.
Is it suitable for non-specialist teachers?
Yes. Every topic is a step-by-step learn guide with explanations, activities and feedback, so pupils can work through it with light-touch support.
Does it cover the KS1 and KS2 programmes of study?
Yes. The coverage section shows which phase covers each national curriculum statement.
Does it include online safety?
Yes. Online safety is built into the KS1 and KS2 guides and linked to the RSHE online relationships and internet safety content.
More schemes of work
Use this scheme with your department
Teacher and School plans give every pupil the learn guides and assessments above, with results by class so you can see which units need reteaching.