As the term progresses, we begin to prepare children for their transition into Year 1. This is a carefully planned process to ensure children feel confident, secure and ready for the next stage of their education.

Children are supported to develop independence, sustain focus and apply their learning more consistently. We work closely with Year 1 staff to ensure continuity in teaching approaches, particularly in phonics and early writing, so that children experience a smooth and consistent transition.

Opportunities to visit their new classroom, meet staff and become familiar with routines help children to feel confident and prepared. Our aim is for every child to leave Reception feeling successful, capable and ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

To support the teaching of early reading, we follow the Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS) programme.

Children take part in daily phonics sessions where they learn letter sounds and how to blend these to read words. They are also taught how to recognise common words and apply their phonics knowledge when reading and writing.

We provide weekly sound packs to support learning at home, matched to the sounds being taught in school. These include opportunities to practise blending, letter formation and recognising key words.

ELS Phonics Information Evening  

For more information on how we teach Phonics, visit our Phonics page.

Reading in EYFS  consists of two dimensions: 
Word reading and Comprehension (both listening and reading). 

Children develop their reading skills through daily phonics, guided reading and regular opportunities to share books. They are taught how to decode unfamiliar words and recognise familiar words quickly and confidently.

Alongside this, we place a strong emphasis on developing a love of reading. Through stories, rhymes, poems and non-fiction texts, children build their understanding of the world and develop the language skills needed for both reading and writing

For information on how we teach and deliver reading, please click HERE      

For an update on our reading scheme and some tips and advice to support you at home, click HERE

In the Early Years , children develop their mathematical skills through play, exploration, active learning, and critical thinking, both indoors and outdoors. We provide a balance of continuous provision, routines, incidental learning opportunities, and carefully planned sessions, ensuring that children build a secure understanding of early mathematics.

Children build a secure understanding of number through counting, recognising and representing numbers, as well as beginning to explore simple addition and subtraction. They also develop their understanding of patterns and relationships within numbers.

In addition, children explore shape, space and measure by investigating 2D and 3D shapes, using positional language and making comparisons.

These experiences support children in becoming confident, curious and independent mathematicians.

Children are supported to form letters correctly from the start. We teach letter formation alongside phonics to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Developing correct formation early is important, as it becomes more difficult to change habits later on. Children practise regularly through both adult-led sessions and independent activities.

Please click for more information on our handwriting scheme.  

Physical Development

Children develop their physical skills through PE lessons, outdoor learning and continuous provision. They build gross motor skills such as running, jumping and balancing, alongside fine motor skills needed for writing, such as pencil control and using tools.

Expressive Arts and Design

Creativity is a key part of our curriculum. Children explore music, art, dance and imaginative play, allowing them to express their ideas and develop confidence and imagination.

Understanding the World

Children learn about the world around them through hands-on experiences, including exploring nature, learning about different cultures and beginning to understand everyday technology. We value the partnership between home and school in building a full picture of each child’s development.

Outdoor Learning

Our outdoor environment is an essential part of the curriculum and is used daily in all weathers. Children take part in activities such as water play, construction, exploration and imaginative play, supporting all areas of learning.

Please ensure children have appropriate clothing, including a waterproof coat and wellies, so they can fully access outdoor learning.

As part of our Physical Development curriculum, the children take part in weekly FootiBugs sessions, led by experienced coaches. Using fun, football-based activities, the children not only build their physical skills such as coordination, balance and control, but also develop important personal and social skills.

Through games and team challenges, children learn to listen carefully, share, take turns and work together, supporting the Early Learning Goals for Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. These sessions are active, engaging and designed to build confidence, teamwork and a love of being active.          

This term we are encouraging the children to become VIPs –
Very Independent People!

We support children to take responsibility for their belongings, dress themselves and manage everyday routines independently. You can help at home by encouraging your child to practise dressing and organising their belongings.

We welcome donations of outdoor equipment or junk modelling materials such as clean bottles and containers. These resources support creativity and imaginative play within our provision.

 PE Kits and School Uniform

Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled, as children are becoming increasingly independent.

During the year, children take part in a wide range of messy, hands-on learning experiences. While we use aprons, children may occasionally come home a little messy—this is often a sign of a busy and engaging day of learning.

Children attend assemblies regularly, including a weekly celebration assembly where achievements are shared across Key Stage 1. Each week, one child from each class is recognised for their effort and achievements.