Reception
Welcome to Reception's class page
We have two Reception classes which work alongside each other. The EYFS staff provide a stimulating and enabling environment which supports the children to make a positive start school life.
This page will give you information on how the children learn in Reception.
Buttercups Class
Teacher: Miss McEwan
Miss Rolfe (Assistant Headteacher) will be teaching Buttercups class on a Tuesday.
Dandelions Class
Teacher: Mr Arnie
Higher level Teaching Assistant: Mrs Talmer
Learning Support Assistant: Miss Jenkins
Reception Key Worker: Mrs Newell
Reception timings:
Sort start 8:40 - 8:50am
Start time 8.50am
Finish time 3.20pm
PE
Buttercups class PE day is a Wednesday.
Dandelions class PE day is a Friday.
Please ensure your child comes to school wearing their PE kit on their PE day. 
- White t-shirt/ school PE shirt
- Dark shorts;
- Dark joggers/leggings and sweatshirt;
- Trainers - preferably with velcro fastenings
Early Years Foundation Stage
During the Early Years Foundation Stage (birth to 5 years) children develop quickly. Through purposeful and engaging activities the children acquire skills, language and knowledge across the seven areas of learning.
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
At St. Mary's C of E we embrace the seven areas of learning to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for the children. We plan activities according to the children's needs to ensure they are provided with learning opportunities which allow them to reach their full potential and ensure they have the best possible start in life. The EYFS curriculum is designed to be flexible so that staff can follow the children's needs and interests.
In the EYFS children learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.
To find out more about the revised EYFS Framework (September 2021) please click on the link below to watch a parent video.
The Learning Environment
The Reception Classes are located in the purpose-built EYFS building within the main school site. The children in have an outdoor area which includes a bicycle track, mud kitchen, a woodwork bench, water areas, a construction area and an outdoor reading and writing station. During the week the children access areas of the main school to eat their lunch in the school hall, visit the library and have a PE lesson in the Hall. The children also have access to 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
Reception Photo Tour
Reception Baseline Assessment
All Reception children take part in the Reception Baseline Assessment. 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.
Getting Ready for School
Early Years Websites for Parents