Welcome to Reception
In Reception, we build upon the strong foundations laid in Little Learners and Nursery, supporting children as they become confident, independent and enthusiastic learners. Our stimulating environment encourages children to explore, investigate and develop their skills through a balance of carefully planned adult-led activities and purposeful child-initiated learning.
We continue to follow a book-led curriculum, with a new high-quality text introduced each Monday. These carefully chosen books inspire learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, helping children to develop their communication, language, literacy, creativity and understanding of the world. Throughout the week, children are encouraged to independently access and complete activities linked to the focus book within each area of provision. These activities allow children to apply and practise the skills they have been taught, develop their confidence and demonstrate their understanding in meaningful and engaging ways.
Movement plays an important role in children's development, so we ensure that children are active every day. Whether running, dancing, taking part in yoga sessions or exploring our outdoor environment and school field, children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills, coordination and wellbeing.
As the year progresses, children are introduced to more formal teaching in Mathematics and Literacy, including daily phonics lessons that provide the foundations for reading and writing. Reception is such an exciting year, with children making remarkable progress as they begin their journey as readers and writers.
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are key to children's success. We work closely with parents and carers, sharing ideas and activities that can support learning at home and inviting families into school for events such as craft sessions, workshops and outdoor learning opportunities.
Our Reception curriculum promotes curiosity, resilience and a love of learning, whilst preparing children exceptionally well for the transition into Year 1 and the next stage of their educational journey.
Reading
In our EYFS classes at Mount Pleasant Primary School, books are at the centre of our teaching and learning. We know how important it is to have a love of books and so we encourage this from the very beginning. We offer a class library service, have inviting reading areas where the children can relax with a book and follow a book-led curriculum. The books have been carefully chosen to interest and excite our children and so they may change with different groups of children. They are selected to match a common theme and allow for teaching about the different celebrations and events that occur through the year. Additionally, they also open up opportunities for teaching in the 7 areas of learning in EYFS. Have a look at the brilliant books we have picked for each theme in or class here.
Uniform
All phases of our EYFS our active everyday with a focus on physical development activities both indoors and out. Additionally, we are encouraging the children to be more independent, for example through toileting and self care. For this reason, the EYFS uniform is designed to support the children in moving freely and dressing and undressing themselves. It is black joggers or black leggings. In warmer weather, the children can wear black shorts. Black Velcro trainers. White or red polo shirt, red cardigan or sweatshirt. We encourage a spare set of clothing to be sent in to keep in school. The children wear wellington boots for wet and muddy play outside so you are also welcome to provide a pair of wellies to be kept in school. We ask that all clothing and shoes are named.