Welcome to Reception Class
Dear Parents and Children,
During the first few weeks of Reception, our main focus will be on helping the children settle in, become familiar with their new environment and routines, build relationships, and begin making new friends. We want every child to feel happy, safe, confident and excited about their learning journey with us.
The children will have plenty of opportunities to explore our provision, both indoors and outdoors, following their interests, developing their curiosity and learning through play. We believe children learn best when they are actively involved, exploring ideas, experimenting, solving problems and discovering things for themselves. Open-ended activities and resources will encourage the children to use their imagination, think creatively and develop independence, while meaningful interactions with staff will help to extend their thinking, introduce new vocabulary and support their learning and development.
Alongside this play-based learning, the children will take part in daily whole-class sessions covering phonics, maths and our current topic. Stories, songs, rhymes and conversations will also be woven throughout the day to support the development of language, communication, early literacy skills and a love of learning.
Each day of the week brings something a little different for the children to look forward to!
Our Weekly Highlights
Maths on Monday – We get busy playing fun, practical maths games, often outdoors, to develop our early mathematical skills through hands-on experiences.
Trolley Tuesday – We practise our physical skills using a range of small PE equipment, including throwing, catching, aiming and skipping. These activities help to develop coordination, balance and confidence.
Wheels on Wednesday – We enjoy opportunities to explore movement, develop our physical skills and have fun with wheeled resources.
Theatre Thursday – We bring our focus stories to life through role-play and drama, or put on our very own dance, singing or gymnastics performances. These experiences encourage imagination, creativity, communication and confidence.
PE and Book Bag Friday – The children will bring home two books from our Top 50 Reception Texts collection to enjoy sharing with a grown-up. They will also bring home a phonics book each week.
Throughout each half-term, we will complete a welly walk, giving the children opportunities to explore the world around them, observe nature and learn from their outdoor experiences. It is really helpful if your child has a pair of wellies that can stay in school, ready for these adventures.
A Few Helpful Reminders
Please ensure that all your child's clothing, footwear and belongings are clearly named. This makes it much easier for us to return items to their owners when things get misplaced!
Keeping in Touch
We are always happy to have a quick chat at drop-off or pick-up. If your child attends wraparound care, you can contact us through the school office, and we will arrange to email or call you back.
Please never hesitate to ask questions or share any worries or concerns you may have. Working together with families is an important part of helping every child feel secure, supported and ready to learn.
We are really looking forward to a wonderful year filled with play, exploration, new friendships and exciting discoveries. Here's to a happy and successful first year at school for all our children!
Miss Netherton, Mrs Hopewell and Mrs Copley
Please see our long term plan for the whole year below:
Curriculum Map Autumn 1 2026
The Gruffalo
The children in reception had a special visit from Flora the Explorer, we completed lots of themed activities and went on a Gruffalo hunt!
