National curriculum alignment for our 2026 D&T scheme

This resource demonstrates how Kapow Primary’s 2026 D&T scheme of work covers the statutory guidance from EYFS (Reception) through to KS1 and KS2.

How does this document support curriculum planning? 

The document maps each unit of the scheme to the specific content and aims of the D&T National curriculum. This ensures that every lesson contributes to the spiral progression of skills and knowledge, leading to the attainment of end-of-key-stage targets.

For EYFS, it details alignment with Early Learning Goals and Development Matters statements, providing transition and EYFS Design and technology guidance.

What core D&T skills and knowledge are covered? 

Kapow Primary’s Design and technology scheme of work is built around the following six key areas:

• Cooking and nutrition: discovering where food comes from; creating a balanced diet; following kitchen hygiene and safety; developing preparation and cooking skills; following a recipe. 
• Mechanisms: using cams, followers, levers and sliders to mimic natural movements.
• Structures: learning about the properties of materials; improving a structure’s strength and stability; reinforcing structures.
• Textiles: using fabric techniques to fasten, sew and decorate.
• Electrical systems: creating electrical products using series circuits, circuit components, circuit diagrams and symbols.
• Digital world: programming products to perform tasks; developing 2D and 3D designs and models using CAD software.

What are the benefits of this curriculum coverage for teachers? 

This National curriculum coverage document clearly shows which key skills are developed in each unit across the year groups. It ensures a broad and balanced DT curriculum, providing children with varied experiences with the fundamentals.

This document provides clear pathways for DT assessment, ensuring consistent tracking of pupil progress. 

What other Kapow Primary resources support primary D&T teaching? 

• For long-term D&T plans, progression of skills and knowledge and much more, see the D&T curriculum portal.
• See how children begin the DT scheme with our EYFS (Reception) Design and technology units. 
• To learn how children develop their DT skills, see our Year 1 and Year 2 Design and technology units.
• Explore more of the DT scheme by browsing our Year 3 and Year 4 units; Year 5 and Year 6 units; and Mixed-age units.