Reception
Welcome to Reception Class! 2021-22
Our Teachers in Reception are:
Class Teacher - Miss Whitehouse
Class Teacher - Miss Craddock
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?
​
The Early Years Foundation Stage is the time in your child's life between birth and age five. The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework sets out the learning and development which guide professionals' engagement with your child's play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through the 7 areas of learning. These include 3 prime areas:
​
-
Communication and Language;
-
Physical development; and
-
Personal, Social and Emotional development.
These prime areas are most essential for your child's healthy development and future learning. As children grow and develop, the prime areas will help them to develop skills and knowledge in 4 specific areas of learning which are:
​
-
Literacy;
-
Mathematics;
-
Understanding of the World; and
-
Expressive Arts and Design.
These 7 areas are used to plan your child's learning and activities. Teachers will ensure that the range of adult led and child initiated activities provided are suited to each child's unique needs. This is a little bit like a primary or secondary curriculum but it is suitable for very young children. It is designed to be flexible so staff can plan according to children's specific needs and interests with a strong emphasis on learning through play.
​
To find out more, simply visit the DFE, EYFS Framework or the parent's guide What to expect, when?
How is my child's timetable organised?
Click here for a basic overview of your child's daily timetable/routine.
Remember though, our timetable is subject to change to suit children's needs and interests.
How does my child learn to read and write?
In Reception we have daily, discrete phonics lessons and follow the Read Write Inc. programme. Read, Write, Inc. teaches children to read accurately and fluently whist also developing comprehension. Children learn to form each letter, spell correctly and compose their ideas step by step. Children read with a phonics book every day. These books are matched closely to children's knowledge of letter sounds and 'tricky words' and as the children re-read the stories, their fluency increases.
​
Children in Reception also write everyday, rehearsing out loud what they want to say before applying the letter sounds and 'tricky words' they know.
​
To support your child at home it is imperative that your child is read to or heard read as often as possible, just a few minutes a day can make all the difference! Research strongly links reading to children's overall educational success! We thank you for your continued support.
​
Children must bring their reading folders every Friday. Please record any notes/comments on the 'Go Read' app or website. Reading books or words will be updated or changed every Friday after school and returned to you on a Monday
Curriculum overview
Homework in Reception
​
Every half term your child will come home with a newsletter. This will contain a brief 'talk homework task'.This will usually be based around the topics/themes we are learning about. These types of activities are essential for supporting your child's learning and progression in school and can usually be done in the car, whilst shopping or even whilst having a bath. Additional homework activities may also be provided to help support or extend your child's learning. Again, we are appreciative of your support!
​
Here are some other activities you can be doing to support your child's learning and development:
-
Sharing books and stories, rhymes and poems;
-
Talk about the numbers, colours and letters you see when you are out and about;
-
Allow your child to cut out and stick with pictures from magazines;
-
Plant seeds or bulbs in a pot or garden patch;
-
On a trip to the supermarket talk about the different shapes of packaging;
-
Cook and bake together;
-
Use the weather - shadows, rain, snow, wind, mist and sun to extend your child's vocabulary.
Websites to support and enhance children's development:
Show and Tell in Reception
​
In Reception we do a show and tell session every Friday. This is where children can choose something of interest to bring in and share there knowledge with the class. These types of activities are great for developing relationships, confidence, oral language skills, listening skills, pride and self-esteem to name a few. The half-termly newsletter will detail whose turn it is for each of the coming Fridays. Examples of items can be naturally found objects outside such as shells, pine cones or leaves. They could bring a photo depicting a recent holiday or special people in their family. They could bring a picture they have done at home, a map, certificate or an award.
​
We do ask that children do not bring toys and appreciate your support with this.
P.E. in Reception
​
P.E. in Reception is on a Wednesday and Thursday. Your child will need a pair of black shorts, a red t.shirt and black pumps. Due to current covid guidelines, we ask that children come to school in their P.E. kit. Please ensure that all clothing is labelled.
A final note!
​
If you have any questions about any aspect of your child or school, please do not hesitate to book an appointment with the class teacher or come and have a chat at the end of the day.