Working closely with families
We believe that working closely with families really benefits the children in our care. Before your child starts school, we invite parents to come and visit the school with their child to meet the team and get to know us. We also have a 1-1 meeting with the teacher and parent just before they start with us. It helps us understand your child better. We pride ourselves on getting to know all our children really well.
We have an open door policy with parents and encourage you to work in partnership with us.
"The teacher met each child and parent at the door and chatted professionally and amicably with the parents about the child." (March 2019 EYFS report)
Once the children have started, we have regular family reading sessions and we invite parents in to see our learning, for example by sharing books or watching performances.
"The school offers well-chosen books that entice readers of all ages to love reading. In every year group, teachers help pupils to learn the vocabulary that helps them with their topics. As part of their dinosaur topic, for example, Reception children relished learning the word ‘palaeontologist."(Ofsted report 2022)
We are delighted with feedback from our parents -
"I am so proud of my son. He is learning so quickly."
"My daughter is really good at writing now."
"We've seen great academic progress and pastoral care. The focus on reading confidence has really helped."
Teaching and Learning in Reception
We have a clear structure to our day, where the children are able to use both the indoor and outdoor environment.
Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that builds upon what children learn in the early years. Here, they learn and develop strong skills that they can use with increasing independence. Pupils build the knowledge they need to succeed in wellordered steps. Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Children start learning phonics as soon as they begin in the Reception class. Teachers are quick to notice when children are not keeping up. Skilled staff provide extra support. This approach continues through the school. OFSTED 2022
We encourage a love of learning and are proud that our children leave Reception ready for their next stage of education.
In every year group, teachers help pupils to learn the vocabulary that helps them with their topics. As part of their dinosaur topic, for example, Reception children relished learning the word ‘palaeontologist’. OFSTED 2022
We know that setting our expectations clearly to children helps them to engage with their learning and each other.
"As a result of such a well planned and set up environment, the children demonstrated high concentration and excellent behaviours for learning. They remained on task and quietly played, chatting to their friends." (February 2020 EYFS report)
Parent Feedback
The transition from nursery to school (is) really easy and nurturing. The school feels like a community of parents, children and teachers. The school values are clear and set a great foundation of values for the children to live.
Lives its value and encourages these in the children. Super supportive but also ambitious for the children. Builds a strong community.
You can read our Early Years Policy for further details.
Knowledge Organisers
Our Reception Class
Would you like to know more about what to expect at the different stages of your child's development? Clink this link to find out more. It also details the most important things you can do to support your child's development - chat, play and read.
