Reception

EYFS Intent:

At Oakridge, we believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage is a crucial stage in a child’s development, during which their passion for learning is ignited through an education that is rich in wonder and memorable experiences. Through these experiences, we enable children’s natural curiosity and creativity to flourish alongside the purposeful acquisition of the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding that are crucial to their future success. Hand-in-hand with developing our children as adept learners, we nurture the special personal qualities that will shape our young children’s characters as they journey through our EYFS and beyond ‘The Oakridge Way’.

Introduction - Mrs Evans

Welcome to Reception, the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. During their time in Reception, children’s learning activities and experiences continue to be underpinned by the seven areas of learning and development set out in the EYFS Statutory Framework. All seven areas are important and inter-connected. There are three prime areas of learning which are crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

These three areas, the prime areas, are:

communication and language
physical development
personal, social and emotional development

There are four further specific areas of learning, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. These specific areas are:

literacy
mathematics
understanding the world
expressive arts and design

During the Reception year, children will spend a greater amount of time receiving adult-led directed teaching in Literacy and Mathematics. They will receive daily directed Literacy, Phonics and Mathematics teaching time as well as taking part in weekly guided reading and writing lessons.

The EYFS also sets out characteristics of effective learning which encourage children to develop positive learning behaviours. Reception also have powerful learning characters whose stories introduce the children to the idea of being a powerful learner by being resilient, reflective, reciprocal and resourceful.

This Is Us

Communication

If you wish to speak to the class teacher please do not hesitate to speak to a staff member on the door at the beginning or the end of the school day or by telephoning the school office to make an appointment.

P.E.

Children in Reception will take part in a range of physical activities throughout the week. In addition, they will also have a structured P.E. lesson focussing on the directed teaching of specific skills that will take place on Tuesday morning and children will need the following:

School P.E. shorts
School P.E. T–shirt
Trainers
Jogging bottoms for outdoor activities during the autumn and winter

PPA

Since 2005 it has been a legal requirement that all teaching staff receive 10% Planning Preparation and Assessment time in a week (PPA). We have also seen this as a real positive and an opportunity for staff development as well as ensuring the children receive a quality learning experience. PPA is covered by Mrs Hurcombe and Miss Baker who will teach the class one afternoon per week.

Home Learning

For Home Learning we will continue to reinforce the basic skills associated with Literacy and Mathematics. Each week the children will therefore be expected to read daily, practise their phonic learning as well as practise and consolidate mathematical knowledge and understanding. Home learning will be set on a Thursday to be completed and returned by the following Tuesday.

School Uniform

We are all really proud of the way our children look in school. The vast majority of children wear their uniform with great pride and this is often commented upon when our children are out of school on trips and visits. Please can you continue to support our school uniform policy as not only does it look smart but it gives our school a real identity.