Reception

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 Long Term Plan  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.

Early Reading and Phonics

We use the Read Write Inc programme in Reception and Key Stage 1 to teach early reading. This programme includes a systematic and dynamic whole-school approach to teaching phonics.

Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 follow a phonics programme that supports their individual reading level. As part of the scheme, we also use the Read Write Inc reading books that coincide with the sounds taught in school in one given week.

Teachers carefully choose and send home a corresponding Read Write Inc book-bag book that is a phonetically decodable reading book, containing sounds the children have been taught. The book-bag books also contain useful questions for parents, when discussing the story at home. Children also receive a home reading record, which allows parents to record any information they wish to pass on to the class teacher regarding the books read.

Children also have access to our school library where they choose from a wide range of books that can be enjoyed, with the support of parents, at home. Children in Key Stage Two are also accessing the ‘Read Write Inc’ programme through group or one to one intervention and to reinforce any tricky sounds or alternative pronunciation/spellings.

Early Maths 

In Reception, we help children develop a strong foundation in early mathematics through practical, hands-on learning. Our maths teaching follows the White Rose and NCETM programmes, which focus on building secure number sense rather than rote learning or worksheets.

Children learn best by doing. They explore numbers through play, using real objects to count, sort, compare and represent quantities. Teachers encourage children to talk about their ideas, explain their thinking and use mathematical language as part of everyday learning.

Key concepts are revisited regularly so children can deepen their understanding and build confidence over time. By using concrete resources and meaningful experiences, we support children to enjoy maths and develop the skills they need for future learning.