The Reception children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, which has three prime areas; Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

We support the children in four specific areas, which include the essential skills and knowledge for our youngest children, and through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

These express important principles underpinning effective practice in the care,

development and learning of young children.

Communication, Language and Literacy:

Children develop their communication skills through speaking and listening, phonics, reading and writing. They are provided with a vast range of rich opportunities to develop these skills through play where their progress is closely tracked and scaffolded.

Mathematics:

Early mathematical experiences are through practical activities, rhymes, stories, counting games and songs. These include aspects such as weight, length, position, shape as well as number and calculation.

Physical Development:

Children develop physical control and coordination through the use of climbing equipment and small apparatus such as balls, bean bags and hoops. They develop their fine motor skills by using scissors and tweezers. They also learn about being healthy and safe.

Understanding of the World:

In this area children are encouraged to explore their immediate environment and find out about the world around them. They have opportunities to use scientific apparatus such as magnets, magnifying glasses, and technology, such as torches and programmable toys. Children find out about other cultures and beliefs by celebrating a range of festivals such as Chinese New Year.

Expressive Arts and Design:

Children learn to express their thoughts and feelings in a creative way. They explore the different role play areas, respond imaginatively to music and make many wonderful creations in 2 and 3 dimensions.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development:

The children learn to co-operate with others, to share and take turns. They also develop their self-confidence and become independent, at the same time developing personal values through an understanding of right and wrong and an awareness of the needs of others.

The children have 2 outdoor learning areas and free flow across our 3 reception classrooms during certain parts of the day. Each child is made a focus child once every new term, which the children love!