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Reception
Welcome to Reception!
We are very excited to welcome you in September and begin our wonderful learning journey together. We hope all children will have a happy time at our school and we are looking forward to getting to know them. This page has suggestions that will help both you and your child prepare for school, and during the first weeks in the reception class. If you have any worries or problems, however small they may seem to you, please let us know.
The first few weeks will be spent settling the children into their new class, supporting them to get to know their friends and adults in the class, and how to access their new learning environment. We will observe what children can already do, what their interests are and any support they may need.
The Reception Curriculum
The following information will give you an insight into some of the work we plan to cover and may help to reassure you of what they are learning each day at school!
The reception classes' day is based on the Foundation Stage Curriculum; your son or daughter may already have been following this if they have attended a nursery class. This is structured around the understanding that children of this age learn best through play, the activities are all carefully planned to ensure that the children are learning and progressing towards the next step of their development.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum sets out seven areas of learning and development. The three prime areas, which will support and encourage the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and build their capacity to learn and form relationships are:
Communication and language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development
There are four specific areas:
Literacy
Maths
Understanding the world
Expressive art and design
The children are active both indoors and out all day. They will get messy and dirty – that’s usually a sign they’ve had a busy day exploring, investigating and being creative!
Autumn –
During our first term together, we will be exploring the topic All About Me. During this time, we will be getting to know the children, their interests and what they would like to learn about. We will also use this time to assess the children in maths and phonics where we can identify where they best need support. We will be exploring core texts to dive deeper into this topic, please see attached long term plan. The first term in reception is a foundational period focused on settling in, establishing classroom routines, and building relationships. Later in autumn, we will be exploring the topic Festivals and Celebrations, where we will be exploring different events such as Diwali, Christmas and Hannukah. We will use this opportunity to learn more about the children’s family life and celebrations they have had. Please remember to bring your child’s All About Me Book and a family picture to school for the beginning of September.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED):
- Building Relationships: Children learn to make new friends, share, take turns, and understand classroom expectations.
- Independence: Children practice self-care routines, such as hanging up their own coats, using the toilet independently, and managing their belongings.
Communication & Language:
- Storytelling: Teachers will use core books and repetitive rhymes to develop vocabulary, listening skills, and story sequencing.
- "All About Me": Children share family photos, discuss what makes them unique, and talk about their favourite things.
Physical Development:
- Gross Motor Skills: Focus on navigating outdoor spaces, using climbing equipment safely, and participating in seasonal dance.
- Fine Motor Skills: Development of pencil grip and scissor control through activities like threading, cutting, and playdough, building the muscles needed for early writing.
Mathematics:
- Baseline Assessments: Teachers will conduct gentle, play-based baseline assessments early in the term to understand each child's starting point.
- Number & Patterns: Focus on counting objects practically, subitising (recognizing amounts without counting), and copying or extending patterns (e.g., colour and size sequences).
Understanding the World:
- Seasons & Nature: Children will explore the changing seasons by taking autumn walks, observing changing leaf colours, and collecting natural treasures.
Weekly Reminders –
- Thursday – Library – Please ensure your child brings in their library book to be changed
- Monday to Friday – Children to bring reading folders in everyday as we will read with your child as often as possible
- Friday – PE – Your child can come to school in their PE kit on Fridays as we will be participating in planned activities
- Homework will be sent home on a Thursday and is due to be returned the following Wednesday.
General reminders –
- Please ensure your child comes to school in September with a family picture and an All About Me book, this gives us an excellent opportunity to learn more about the children and their experiences.
- Please ensure your child brings their book bag and a named water bottle to school each day
- All children must bring in their reading folder, record and book every day
- All children will be offered a healthy snack of seasonal fruit or vegetables. If your child prefers, they are welcome to bring a piece of fruit from home
- Please ensure all of your child’s belongings are clearly named, including uniform
- Please provide your child with a pair of wellington botts and a raincoat as we work outside in all weathers
- Finally, please provide your child with a spare uniform in a named bag which will remain in school in case your child needs to be changed
Useful Websites:
Government advice for families on starting school
Learning Websites:
Speech and Language:
Maths:
Phonics:
Oxford Owl Read Write Inc - Phonics Guide
Educational Links: