Welcometo

Reception Class

Thank you for taking the time to look through our booklet. We hope this gives you a bit of insight into life within our Reception Class.

The CurriculumIn reception we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. The teaching and learning

takes place through a balance of play based, child initiated and adult led activities. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is divided into 7 areas of learning, where they will learn skills, acquire knowledge and demonstrate understanding, and of course have fun!There are 3 Prime Areas, These are the most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning. These are;

• Communication and Language• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional DevelopmentLeading on from the prime areas the children will develop skills in 4 Specific Areas:

• Literacy• Mathematics• Understanding The World• Expressive Arts and Design

Work, activities and short topics are planned based on the children’s interests. Previous topics have included:

Dream Big Big Cook Little Cook Swashbucklers

We always like to end our topics with a special celebration event.

Phonics, Reading and Writing

Welcome to Big School Party

Theme Days

Class Assemblies

In Reception we use the Jolly Phonics scheme for the teaching of early letters and sounds which then leads on to the reading scheme, Oxford Reading Tree. The children have a daily phonics session, which is then followed up with a range of activities to practice letter formation, reading and word building and writing.

MathematicsMathematics is split into two areas Number and Shape, Space and Measure. Within Foundation Stage and into Year 1 Maths is taught through practical and planned play activities. The children will be given experiences to discuss their learning of mathematics and will

be introduced to the appropriate vocabulary. PEChildren get two PE sessions a week. We have an external dance teacher for one of the sessions, in which they enjoy a range of music and

movement activities. In the other session the children have an opportunity to develop their gross motor skills through gymnastics, athletics and ball games.

Learning JourneysThe children’s understanding and achievements are recorded in an individual learning journey, which may include photographs, observations and samples of work, both independent and teacher led. We actively encourage parents to contribute to these journals and provide opportunities throughout the year for children to share their work though slide show presentations and tea and cake mornings.A weekly newsletter is also sent home, detailing the week’s events, any key learning points which can be consolidated at home and messages for the following week.Buddies

Each new starter is assigned a Year 6 buddy to help them settle into school life. The buddy system has been in place for many years now and continues to be incredibly successful in easing the transition process. Throughout the year the children have the opportunity to work with their buddies on various activities.

A day in the life of reception After registration we usually start the day with a whole class carpet session of

either phonics or maths.

The children are then given the opportunity to choose their activities inside and outside the

classroom. During this session, the children will also take part in adult led activities either 1:1 or in a group.

At the end of the first session the children come together for snack time. There is orange juice or milk available and a free piece of fruit.

After playtime with the rest of the school we have another whole class carpet session where partner work and discussion is encouraged.

The children sit together to have lunch in our school hall.

After lunch we have either a quiet reading or writing session. During this time children read on a 1:1 basis with an adult and groups of children complete a guided writing activity.

It is then another choosing/activity session before story time at the end day.

We hope the information in this booklet gives you an insight into your child’s first year at school, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.e.copeland@alne.n-yorks.sch.uks.mccarthy@alne.n-york.sch.uk