Reception class information:

Starting school is an exciting time: a time of new experiences, new friends and new places. Our school days provide a secure and anxiety-free environment where your child can play, explore, experiment, investigate and learn. We also encourage the children to acquire skills and knowledge through first-hand experience, gaining a sound understanding of the world around them.

The curriculum for our Reception classes has been developed from many years of outstanding teaching at our sister school, Didsbury CE Primary. Don’t just take our word for it: the last Ofsted report at Didsbury CE Primary noted that “children make outstanding progress... curricular planning in Reception classes is of excellent quality and ensures that children have the opportunity to engage fully in a wide range of fun activities across all areas of learning. From starting points mostly typical for their age, by the end [of Reception] many exceed the early learning goals... the quality of teaching is strong and leadership and management of the Early Years Foundation Stage are outstanding. Effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage - Grade 1: Outstanding.”

So, what does an actual school day look and feel like? Have a look at our timetable for a typical day.

Morning

8.55 am
Children are met by their teachers and brought into school.  For the first few weeks, parents and carers are welcome to stay with their child until they are settled in class. 

9.00 am
Assemble on the carpet for register and whole class carpet time.

9.20 am
Activity time - independent, guided or focused.

10.20 am
Group time - Collective Worship

10.35 am
Play in learning areas, where children can investigate topics and themes.  Sometimes in guided groups with the teacher or teaching assistant.  Also the opportunity for some one-to-one teaching.

11.40 am
Group time; literacy

11.55 am
Lunchtime prayer. Children wash hands, then have lunch.

12.00 pm
Teachers sit and have lunch with the children so that they get to know each other outside the classroom environment. Children have a hot school dinner for free.

Afternoon

1.10 pm
Register then group time; maths

1.25 pm
Children free to play in learning areas inside and outside. This time is dedicated to independent learning and group work, for example: hunting for shapes around the classroom, role playing, reading, art. Everything is focused on making Reception a happy, caring environment where children enjoy learning.

2.45 pm

Group story time/celebration time.  Distribute pictures/bookbags, etc.

3.10pm
Official home time.

When you have seen the curriculum information for each class within the link below, should you have any further questions please feel free to ask your child's class teacher or another member of the school teaching staff.

 

For more detailed information on the Reception curriculum, download our Reception Class guide