Reception

In Reception, our teachers are Mrs Rafferty and Miss O'Sullivan.

A warm welcome to Reception

In Reception we have lots of fun while learning through play! We have a stimulating, fun and educational environment where we play, explore and investigate through various forms. Reception have access to open-ended resources both indoors and outdoors. We follow key themes in Reception using different topics as a base to explore children’s interest and curiosity.

The children spend the morning sessions taking part in Literacy activities (including RWI) and Maths activities in the afternoon session, as well as activities of their own choosing throughout the day. Every child reads with an adult each day.

We take part in Dough Disco, which is aimed at strengthening the children’s fingers, supporting them in their ability to hold a pencil and write letters with good control.

Our Curriculum

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.  We are a play-based curriculum which means we use our well-equipped environment to spark children's curiosity and encourage their learning. We use the Early Years Foundation Stage document, alongside the needs, interests and abilities of the children, to carefully plan an environment which stimulates learning. We also include short, carefully planned sessions to spark the inquisitive mind. Please take a look at our Reception Curriculum Map  to see our exciting and challenging topics and fabulous learning throughout the year.

As parents and carers are children's first educators, we strive to hold positive relationships with them to ensure children learn as much as possible and reach their full potential during their time with us. We hold regular stay and play sessions where parents can come and see how their children learn. We also have an open door policy both before and after school where parents can talk to us.

Autumn Half Term 1 - Super Me 

During this half term, we’re excited to support the children as they transition into school life. It’s all about getting to know each pupil individually, embedding routines, and igniting their love of learning in a safe and secure environment.

We kick off our journey into reading by introducing Set 1 phonics, which lays the groundwork for their literacy skills. In maths, we focus on number sense up to 3, ensuring that our little learners have sturdy foundations to build upon.

To keep them engaged, we’ve selected carefully chosen texts that spark curiosity and joy in this first half term of school. Our aim is to create a vibrant learning atmosphere where children feel comfortable, inspired, and ready to explore the wonderful world of knowledge ahead of them. Here’s to an exciting start to their educational adventure!

Autumn Half Term 2 - To Infinity & Beyond

During this half term, the pupils will shoot off into space, exploring the wonders of the solar system while unleashing their creativity. It will be fantastic to see their imaginations take flight as they learn about the planets and stars! Alongside this thrilling adventure, we’re also extending our knowledge of phonics and deepening our understanding of numbers up to 5, ensuring the little ones are building solid foundations in their learning.

This term is packed with excitement as we examine a variety of celebrations. We will enjoy Bonfire Night and Diwali, take time to reflect on Remembrance Day, and we will build up to the lively festivities of Christmas. Our highlight will be the Nativity performance, where the children will get the chance to shine on stage. It’s a vibrant time in the classroom, and I can’t wait to see how our little stars continue to bloom!

Spring Half Term 1 - Our Favourite Stories

This half term, we’re diving into our favourite stories! We're super excited to explore a whole host of beloved characters, including The Gruffalo's Child, The Jolly Postman, Cinderella, and Where the Wild Things Are. Expect loads of fun and engaging activities that will bring these tales to life!

We'll be unleashing our creativity by writing letters home and taking a lovely walk to the local post-box to send them off. How exciting is that? Plus, get ready for them to unleash their artistic flair as they paint with magic paintbrushes!

And let's not forget about the best part - we’ll be getting into character and acting out the stories! It’s going to be a brilliant half term filled with storytelling, creativity, and lots of laughs. Can't wait to see everyone getting involved and enjoying these classic tales together!

Spring Half Term 2 - Are we nearly there yet?

Are you ready to go on a journey? This half term, we’re all about exploring journeys and transport! We’ll dive into our local area, using Google Maps to trace our journey to school. How exciting to see the routes we take each day!

We'll also be discovering a variety of transport modes, from bikes and trains to aeroplanes. It’ll be fun to think about how people used to travel. We’ll learn about old-fashioned transport and how things have changed through the years.

Plus, we’ll explore the incredible story of Amy Johnson, a pioneering English pilot who broke boundaries in aviation. Through our explorations, we’ll gain a better understanding of how transport shapes our lives today. So, get ready for an adventurous half term filled with maps, stories, and lots of discoveries! Let’s embark on this amazing journey together!

Summer Half Term 1 - Down at the bottom of the garden