How Norfolk Navigators Support Executive Function

Executive function skills – working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control – are crucial for success in learning. The Navigators explicitly build these skills:

Working Memory

• We Are Knowledgeable encourages children to retain, recall and apply core knowledge taught in lessons.
• This matches the small‑step progression in the Whole School Foundational Knowledge Skills Progression, which supports memory through repetition and sequenced learning.

Cognitive Flexibility

• We Are Curious and We Are Inspired help pupils consider multiple viewpoints, adapt their thinking and problem‑solve — central to flexible thinking.
• Big Ideas themes (e.g., Sustainability, Diversity) require children to compare cultures, evaluate causes and consequences, and link ideas.

Inhibitory Control

• We Are Resilient and We Are Reflective build self‑regulation, turn‑taking, emotional control and focus.
• Assemblies and curriculum questions often explore behaviour, friendships, kindness and resolving conflicts, supporting self‑management.

Our consistent whole‑school language around attitudes, behaviour expectations and emotional understanding is an essential scaffold for pupils with SEND and those with weaker self-regulatory skills.