Welcome to Reception

Teacher – Mrs O’Connor

Teaching Assistant – Mrs McNulty and Mrs Donaldson

Welcome to Reception’s class page.

In Reception, the children love learning and are extremely lucky that they can take their learning both indoors and outdoors, through investigation, exploring, problem solving, creativity and play. They love to get busy in our fabulous areas of provision which supports their imaginative play and gives them the opportunity to form a narrative. In Reception, we have daily phonics, literacy and numeracy activities through whole class teaching and small group work. Our classroom is a language rich environment where new vocabulary is embedded through teaching and within their play. Our topics this year will ensure that all the children will learn the essential knowledge and skills that they need to know at a particular time. Keep checking our website and newsletters to find out more. 

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The EYFS is based on 4 overarching principles which shape good practice in early years settings:

• A unique child
  Every child is unique. They are consistently learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• Positive relationships
  Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
• Enabling environments
  Children learn and develop well in environments where their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and yourself as a parent and/or carer.
• Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates
  The framework covers the education and care of your child within the early years setting, including children with additional needs.

The activities and experiences that we provide for your child will underpin the skills they need to work towards the Early Learning Goals in the following 7 areas:

Prime Areas:

• Communication and language
• Physical Development
• Personal, social and emotional development

Specific Areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Art and Design

The Reception curriculum map can be found in the downloads at the bottom of the page. This outlines our learning projects and key texts that will be taught throughout the year. We assess the children regularly; we have designed a set of ‘ checkpoints’ that are used to assess the children throughout Nursery and Reception to help inform our planning and teaching. The checkpoints are used to prepare the children to be Year One ready in order to access Key Stage One Curriculum 

Some useful websites

Little Wandle – Little Wandle is our school phonics scheme where you can find parent information there.  

Big Cat Phonics for Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised – Collins You can access E-books through Collins Big Cat Books. 

You will need your child’s log in details to be able to access them. If you need a reminder of these details please contact their class teacher.

CLICK HERE for guidance on starting Reception

1-minute maths | Maths App | White Rose Maths – White Rose Maths 1 Minute Maths helps children to build greater number confidence and fluency. 

Please click here for Tips for Supporting Your Child with Reading at Home. 

We understand that the children in Reception make exceptional progress throughout the year and we would like to celebrate their achievements, at home or at school. We have some ‘WOW moments’ certificates at the front door of our classroom where you are more than welcome to take some to document your child’s achievements. 

Any question, queries or concerns of any kind, please come and speak to us. We look forward to working with you closely to ensure your child continues to thrive!

Mrs O’Connor