Welcome to Reception!

A very warm welcome to all of our children and families joining us this September.

Mrs Undrell is the teacher in Ash class and Mrs Webber & Mrs Lewis are the teachers in Oak class. We also have some wonderful support staff working across the classes including: Mrs Maycock, Mrs Russell, Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Froud, Mrs Panico and Mrs Kushneriuk (Mrs K).  Premier Sport and Mrs Maycock will also be leading the classes covering teacher PPA (planning time) on a Monday afternoon.  Mrs Anderson will lead Forest School sessions supported by the teachers and support staff.

Our main aim during these first few weeks is to make sure every child feels happy, safe, welcome and settled in their new classroom.

Starting school is a big step, and we know that every child will find their feet at their own pace. We will begin by getting to know each individual child — spending time playing alongside them, talking with them and observing them as they explore their new environment. We will also complete the formal Reception Baseline Assessment, which helps us to understand each child's starting points and identify how best to support their learning and development.

Our first topic, ‘All About Me’, is the perfect way to support this. Through stories, conversations, songs, play and a range of fun activities, the children will have opportunities to talk about themselves, their families, their interests and what makes them special. It will help us to learn more about each child while encouraging them to get to know their new friends and celebrate the things that make us all unique.

As the children become more settled and confident, we will begin to gently build up our phonics, maths and Finger Gym sessions. These will start with short, engaging activities and gradually increase as the children develop their confidence, concentration and stamina for learning. Finger Gym activities will help to develop the fine motor skills and strength needed for writing and other classroom tasks.

Alongside this, we will introduce the routines and expectations of school life, helping the children to become increasingly independent and confident. We will practise things like listening, taking turns, looking after our belongings, moving around the classroom and working together as a team.

Most importantly, we want to build up the children's stamina for learning in a gentle and enjoyable way. Through play, exploration, stories, conversations and focused activities, we will help them develop their ability to listen, concentrate, persevere and have a go.

We want our children to begin their school journey with a love of learning, a sense of belonging and the confidence to give things a try. There will be plenty of opportunities for fun, laughter, exploration and making wonderful memories along the way!

The document below provides an overview of the knowledge, skills and understanding that children are generally expected to achieve by the end of Reception. It is intended as a guide to help you understand the learning that has taken place throughout the year and the expectations as your child prepares to move into Year 1.