Reception
Welcome to Reception
We have two classes in Reception who work closely together. Staff provide an
enabling and exciting environment to aid the children in their first steps in school,
and develop their skills, knowledge and confidence.
This page will give you information on how the children learn in Reception.
RM Class
Teacher: Mrs Mander
Teaching Assistants: Mrs Lawes and Mrs Newell
RA Class
Teacher: Mrs Avery
Teaching Assistants: Miss Collins and Miss Jenkins
Miss Rolfe (assistant head) teaches in RM all day on a Monday, and all day in RA on a Friday.
She will also cover Mrs Avery and Mrs Mander's PPA time.
Reception days are slightly shorter than the rest of the school.
Start time 8.50am
Finish time 3.15pm (If possible please collect your Reception child first).
Reading
During Autumn term we have looked at a range of books in Reception. These stories and information books have helped the children to explore maths, different faiths and the world around us.
Please see the books we have looked at below.
Maybe you could find these in the library and see if your child can share them with you?
Stories & books |
Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen |
Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough |
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson |
Little Red Hen |
Anancy the Spiderman stories- stories from West Africa & the Caribbean |
Rama & Sita- story looking at Hinduism |
Mixed by Arree Chung |
Coming Home by Floella Benjamin |
Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne |
Simon Sock by Nick East |
The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas |
Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram |
Christmas Nativity stories |
The Lazy Ladybird by Isobel Finn |
Funnybones by Janet & Allan Ahlberg |
If you would like to find other recommended books for Reception children then have a look at this website: www.thereaderteacher.com/reception
Early Years Foundation Stage
The Early Years is the period of time in your child's life between birth and 5 years. This is a time when children learn rapidly developing skills, language and knowledge in a wide range of areas. During this period your child will be following the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework which focuses on 7 areas of learning and development which consist of:
The Prime Areas:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development.
The Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The professionals teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities and experiences planned are suited to your child’s unique needs. It is designed to be flexible so that staff can follow the children's needs and interests.
Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.
The EYFS Framework has been updated for September 2021. You can find out more about it in the video and document below.
EYFS Framework September 2021
Reception Baseline Assessment
All Reception children take part in the Reception Baseline Assesment. This takes place on a 1-1 during the first six weeks of the Autumn Term. Please see video and parent leaflet below for more information.
Reception Baseline Information for Parents
PE
Our PE day is a Friday. Please ensure PE kits are worn to school on those days.
- White t-shirt/ school PE shirt
- Dark shorts;
- Dark joggers/leggings and sweatshirt;
- Trainers - preferably with velcro fastenings
Forest School
On Forest School days it is important that children wear trousers that cover their legs, so that there is less chance of them becoming scratched. You may chose for your child to wear black/dark blue tracksuit bottoms or leggings. They wear their normal t-shirt and jumper/cardigan on their top half. The children will then wear their welly boots with a waterproof or wetsuit depending on the weather.
On Wednesday 2nd November 2022 reception will have there first chance to visit Forest School and learn the rules at base camp.
Christmas at Forest School - Wednesday 14th December 2022 (Children can wear their Christmas jumper with their tracksuit bottoms or leggings).
Spring Term 2023 - every Wednesday (unless notified otherwise)
How we teach phonics in Reception- an audio Power Point presentation
Reading Eggs

Your child's log in details have been stapled to their reading record book. We hope you and your child enjoy exploring the Reading Egg programme!
For more information follow the link below to our Reading Eggs page on our website.
Tales ToolKit
In Reception, we use the program, Tales Toolkit. This is a fun and interactive way of helping children to develop their oral story telling skills. There are four key symbols that are used to help children develop their own narratives. Please see the website below and the parent information documents to find out more about this program. All parents in Reception can sign up to become members of the Tales Toolkit family. Make sure you have a look and begin your story telling journey.
Screen Time Information for Parents
Reception Tours
The Reception Classes are housed in their own building on the main school site. The children in Reception have their own outdoor area which includes a bicycle track, mud kitchen, a woodwork bench, water areas, a construction area and an outdoor reading and writing station. The children also have access to the main school where they can visit the library and have PE lessons in the Hall. The children are also able to access the school field for sports and the Forest School site.
If you have any questions about the Reception Class at St Mary's School, please email the school office.
New Parents Presentation 2021
Morning Routine in Reception
Children's Welcome Book 2021
A Day in Reception
Reception Curriculum Map
Daily Timetable
Reception Photo Tour
Daily Life in Reception
Reception Documents
Getting Ready for School
Back to School Social Story
Early Years Websites for Parents