Welcome to Reception 

During their Reception year in foundation stage two, children work towards the Early Learning Goals: children are expected to meet most of these by the end of the year across the seven  areas of learning and development. These seven areas are split into Prime and Specific areas of learning. 

THE PRIME AREAS OF LEARNING ARE:

Communication and Language: Listening; Attention and Understanding; Speaking 

Personal Social and Emotional Development: Self-Regulation; Managing Self; Building Relationships

Physical Development: Gross Motor Skills; Fine Motor Skills

THE SECIFIC AREAS OF LEARNING ARE:

Literacy: Comprehension; Word Reading; Writing

Mathematics: Number; Numerical Patterns

Understanding The World: Past and Present; People, Culture and Communities; The Natural World

Expressive Arts and Design: Creating with Materials; Being Imaginative

Children learn in a variety of ways. We always provide access to continuous provision which the children can access independently. Within the provision, children learn through playing, exploring, talking, questioning, reflecting and interacting with adults and each other. Adults work with children within the provision to model quality talk and move learning on based on the needs of the individual. 

Phonics and reading are taught through the Read Write Inc programme which is delivered in small focus groups and on an individual basis, if needed. 

Both maths and writing are taught as whole class input followed by small teacher or teacher assistant  focus groups.  Adults work closely with these small groups on carefully tailored activities within the provision to move their learning on, based on children's specific next steps. 

Throughout our continuous provision, both indoor and outdoor, purposeful opportunities are provided to encourage talk, reading, writing and mathematics.  This encourages children to apply their knowledge and skills in different ways and develop their independence. 

TAPESTRY

We keep a record of children’s development throughout their time in Foundation Stage in the form of an online app called Tapestry. We include photos, videos, milestones and observations of what children do and say. These are used to track individual's stages of development, and parents and carers can view uploads immediately.  Parents are invited to contribute to their child's learning journey by sharing information about children’s achievements, interests and ‘wow’ moments that occur outside school. This helps staff to build a more rounded picture of children’s development, and creates the opportunity to celebrate their successes. 

BOOKS

Children have a book for their writing in Foundation Stage, which tracks the progress from the start of Reception until they move up to year one.  This is sent home at the end of Reception. 

LEARNING LOG

Information about what children are learning, the books they are reading and the activities they have participated in is passed on weekly in the Learning Log. There are suggested tasks and activities for parents and carers to complete with their children if they wish to.

FOREST SCHOOL

During the summer term, the children have the fantastic opportunity to take part in a weekly Forest School session. 

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a fun, exciting way to learn in an outdoor setting such as woodlands.  It is proven to improve children’s confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills as well as them having lots of fun!  They also develop skills in team work, using tools safely and learning about looking after our natural environment. During the session, the children will take part in a range of activities including den-building, wood craft, playing games and cooking on a campfire! 

Where will the Forest School activities happen?

We will be based in our Enchanted Garden area which is at the front of school next to the car park. 

What will my child need?

Forest School will happen in all weathers (unless it is VERY windy or icy). School will provide wellies, waterproof trousers and jackets, however, please make sure your child has plenty of warm clothes including a jumper, gloves and a hat (sunhat in sunny weather). Lots of layers are more effective than a single thicker layer in terms of protecting from the cold.  Please make sure your child is suitably dressed to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience.