In Reception we follow on from our Nursery and other outside settings by providing a safe but stimulating environment with differentiated learning experiences to meet a wide developmental range.
All children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. The four guiding principles that underpin this are:
- The Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
Through play, children explore and develop learning experiences which help them make sense of the world. They practise and build upon ideas, learn self-control and understand the need for rules.
Our Reception curriculum is delivered through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities using indoor and outdoor play activities. We are keen to provide for each child’s individual needs and interests by being observant and supportive whilst ensuring that learning is relevant and most importantly, fun!
Learning takes place through cross-curricular topics such as: Marvelllous Me, Celebrations, Winter Wonderland, Ready Steady Glow, Once Upon A Fairy Tale and Superheroes.
The EYFS curriculum is delivered through seven areas of learning and development.
We support each child across three prime areas of learning:
- Communication & Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Communication & Language
Our children are encouraged to listen attentively, to speak confidently in a range of situations and develop their understanding through a wide variety of activities, e.g. circle time, role play, rhymes and poetry and ‘Show and Tell’.
Physical Development
During their time in Reception our children develop gross and fine motor skills, co-ordination and spatial awareness. Each child is supported to develop an understanding of the importance of being active and to make healthy choices in relation to food at lunch and snack times. We make excellent use of our wonderful grounds and spacious indoor environment to develop physical awareness.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
During their Reception year our children are encouraged to have self-belief and confidence in their own abilities. They learn to form positive relationships and respect for others and are encouraged to develop their social skills and manage their feelings and behaviour.
And four specific areas of learning:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts & Design
Literacy
Our children are given opportunities to enjoy a rich language environment through a wide range of books, displays and resources. We follow the Animaphonics Letters and Sounds Updated Phonics Programme, through which the children begin to link sounds to letters for reading and writing. The children take home phonics activities to support this learning and are given a reading book by the class teacher when they are ready.
Mathematics
Mathematical development is supported by a progressive approach and is taught through a wide range of resources and practical activities, e.g. games, apparatus, rhymes, songs and stories. The children gain knowledge to solve problems and use across the other areas of learning.
Understanding the World
We encourage our children’s natural curiosity by providing plenty of opportunities to explore and investigate their own environment, living things and the world around them. Through celebrating key events in the year our children become aware of cultural and religious differences which in turn helps them to respect and value others.
Expressive Arts and Design
There are many opportunities for creativity through designing and making, art, music, dance and imaginative play. Every child is encouraged to ‘have a go’ and as in all the other areas of learning every achievement is celebrated. The children also receive music lessons in the music room with our Director of Music.
