Reception Class

See how our pupils get off to a flying start on their school journey.

We love getting to know our new pupils and their families and we pride ourselves on our close relationships between home and school. This begins with our stay and play afternoons, home visits and welcome events, which really make our pupils and parents feel part of our community and confident about what September will bring.

Our Reception pupils enjoy access to two dedicated outdoor learning areas, as well as a stimulating and inviting classroom. These areas are full of resources to support class, group and independent learning. Some of our children’s favourite activities include getting messy in our mud kitchen, developing their imagination in our role play areas and using resources found in the natural environment to support their mathematical and scientific thinking.

Year R key information

Learning and curriculum

Through structured play, we encourage children to develop the skills and attitudes that make them successful and happy friends and learners. Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and take part in daily literacy, maths and phonics lessons. We follow Read Write Inc Phonics to teach reading and writing.

Whole class learning takes place in short engaging sessions and is supported by small group work to ensure support and challenge for all our pupils. Children also have lots of time for child initiated learning; allowing them to explore, take risks and apply their understanding.

Reception Overview (PDF)

Assessments

On entry to Reception, we work with our pupils to establish their baseline. This is primarily done through observations and short, small group games or 1:1 activities in order to assess their understanding and skills across the curriculum.

Formative assessments are made throughout the year and this information can be seen by parents via their child’s Tapestry online learning journal. These journals allow you to keep up with what your child has enjoyed learning, the new discoveries they are making and the skills they are developing. We encourage parents to contribute to their child’s journal, as we recognise that your insight into your child’s learning is invaluable.

You will also be able to talk to your child’s teacher about their progress and targets at our October and February Parents’ evenings and you will receive a written report detailing their end of Key Stage outcomes in July.