Throughout the year Reception will be focusing on The Early Years Outcomes for:

 

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

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In the Early Years, we believe that each area is as important as each other and inextricably linked. Whilst literacy and mathematics are important, the skills required to succeed in these subjects cannot be fully achieved if the other areas are ignored. This is why play forms an important part of our curriculum so that children can develop their confidence and ability to talk and socialise with their peers.

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The first few weeks of the autumn term are spent settling the children into school and helping them to form relationships and familiarise themselves with their classroom, new rules and routines.

 

Our phonics programme - Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised

 

In Reception, we follow the Department for Education validated phonics programme, Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. Phonic sessions take place daily building on prior learning. 

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The key features are as follows :

• direct teaching in frequent, short bursts 

• consistency of approach 

• secure, systematic progression in phonics learning 

• maintaining pace of learning 

• providing repeated practice 

• application of phonics using matched decodable books 

• early identification of children at risk of falling behind, linked to the provision of effective keep-up support.  

 

To consolidate their learning, children take part in adult-led literacy activities throughout the week, whilst also having access to paper and other writing implements in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children are encouraged to practise and apply their literacy skills during their play-based learning e.g. by writing a shopping list or making a sign for a den.

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Reading

Teachers read at least one story every day during which, they ask pupils questions to gauge their understanding. 

 

Children have Guided Reading twice a week where they develop their textual understanding. Guided Reading sessions are teacher led however pupils have access to a wide range of books to choose from throughout the day.  We have an engaging book corner with a range of fiction and non-fiction books and story props for children to use.

 

Mathematics

We follow a mastery based scheme of learning called White Rose maths. The scheme helps to deliver a curriculum that encouraged mathematical thinking and talk. It provides a variety of opportunities to develop a child’s understanding of number, shape, measure and spatial thinking. We have a maths input every day and the continuous provision reflects the maths we are learning.

 

Baseline Assessment

During the first six weeks of school teachers will carry out the National Reception Baseline Assessment for each child. This is used in conjunction with nursery transition documents, information gained during parent meetings and observations to identify areas for development and inform teacher planning

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P.E.​

P.E. is taught every Monday and Thursday by Mr. Jones. During P.E. lessons children will take part in gymnastics, games and dance activities. Children will not be getting changed in school and are required to come to school in their P.E. kits.

 

Trips and Visitors

We have a number of planned trips and visitors throughout the year to enhance our curriculum. They include trips to the Theatre, Farm, Martineau Gardens and visits from people who help us such as police, fire service and dental practitioners.

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Parent Corner

Uniform

Our uniform is grey trousers/skirt/dress, white polo shirt and purple jumper/cardigan. In reception we spend a lot of time outdoors so please provide a pair of wellies for your child and ensure that if it is cold they have a warm coat/hat/gloves. In hot weather children are encouraged to wear hats. Please label everything.

 

Homework

Children will have a reading practise book weekly which will be in line with the phonic sounds they know. They will also have a weekly phonic practise sheet and a handwriting sheet. Children are encouraged to also take home  a free choice library book.

 

Inspire Workshops

We will conduct a variety of parent inspire workshops throughout the year. We will hold a phonics inspire workshop in the Autumn term. Throughout the year there will also be a maths workshop, special female workshop and special male workshop.

 

Attendance/Punctuality

It is really important that your child attends school every day. However, if your child is sick then please phone the school office and inform them. In particular, if your child has vomited then they need to be off school for 48 hours. Picking your child up from school and dropping them off on time is extremely important. It supports your child settling into the classroom and also ensures they don’t miss out on any learning. Not arriving at school on time and being picked up late can be very distressing for a child. Also, if you require a person to pick up your child who is not on our list you will need to inform the school office/Reception staff.

 

Lunch

Children in Reception are provided with a healthy lunch each day. However, if you wish to provide your child with a packed lunch instead then please make staff aware. Children can not chop and change between school dinners and packed lunches they either have one or the other. Children also have free fruit and milk. There is always water available in the classrooms however if you want your child to bring a water bottle in they can do so.

 

And finally…

 

Please check your child’s bag daily for letters regarding events or other important information and also ensure that you download the Marvellous Me app onto your phone for award badges, links to activities and messages from school. You can ask the school office for your child’s code. Also, if you have any queries or concerns we are always here to support your family. Please do not hesitate to inform us either in person, email or phonecall.

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