Welcome To Reception

We welcome children into Reception in September. We know that starting school is a big step for both children and parents so we work together to help the children settle in quickly and happily, developing a positive attitude to learning and school.

We work closely together as part of an Early Years team and we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Much of what the children do will be based around play. To encourage and support this they are given time to choose their own activities with adults interacting and helping to ensure that free play is a positive and focused learning experience. There are also planned focused activities to meet specific objectives and extended learning. Activities take place in our three bases: The Forest, The Meadow and The Early Years Garden.

Each classroom has opportunities relating to all areas of learning in the Early Years Framework. Larger spaces are given to role play corners, construction areas and small world areas so the children have plenty of room to play and express themselves. A writing area and a book corner can be found in each classroom with opportunities to engage in literacy activities. Children also have access to puzzles and games, fine motor activities, and maths resources. There are also creative areas, where children can explore and experiment with messy and creative activities and can access playdough, clay, junk modelling and painting.

The Early Years Garden is open during all activity times, regardless of weather conditions (unless outside conditions are unsafe). All of the areas of learning offered inside are reflected on a different scale outside. We go for regular walks around Chestnut Lane School grounds, use the cabin, and explore the field during our nature mornings. All children visit the large playground, adventure playground or school field to develop their gross motor skills and apply skills on a larger scale. Reception children also have PE lessons with their class teacher every week, as well as dance sessions with a specialist dance teacher.