Reception

At St John’s we have two Reception classes, Robins Class and Sparrows Class. These classes are separated by a partition door, so that whilst the children are part of one class, there are times in the day when all children play and learning together across the Reception unit.

Children in Reception visit our forest school for weekly sessions, as well as playing and exploring in our outside area every day during teacher-led and Discovery Time sessions. We have a very well resourced provision with large, inviting spaces for the children to enjoy and explore; these include large construction and role play areas, as well as cosy book corners and spaces to investigate maths, phonics and the wider world.

The children experience a broad curriculum that is delivered through broad termly themes and also following the children's interests. The Early Years' curriculum is carefully aligned with our curriculum for Years 1-6, to ensure that children are gaining the foundational knowledge and skills needed to give them the best start as a learner in school.

Partnership with parents

Making sure your child is school ready is highly important to us and we make sure that we offer your child a transition that makes their journey to school as smooth as possible. Your child will have a key worker in school (which may or may not be their class teacher), who will help your child to settle in to school and work with them in smaller groups during the week.

We use Tapestry online to share our learning with parents and carers: these photographs show you all the exciting things we have been doing. You can also share learning and experiences from home, as we love to talk about these with the children in school. Parents and carers will also be given opportunities to come into school for parent workshops on topics such as phonics and early maths, to give you further information about how we teach in school and how you are able to support your child at home.

Mealtime and Snack Routines

Morning Snack (8.45 AM):
Children are offered a bagel and their water bottle while seated together on the carpet with an adult. This is a calm and social time, where children are encouraged to engage in conversation.
Lunch (around 11:30 AM):
A nutritious lunch is available for all children for free from the school (Universal Free School Meal funding), which is served with water. Some children bring a packed lunch from home. Meals are enjoyed as a class at the table, with known staff supporting children in the dinner hall.
Afternoon Snack:
A fruit or vegetable snack is offered alongside milk or water when the children appear ready in the afternoon (approximately 2.30-2.50pm). Snacks are provided as a group activity, with children seated together with adults. If we have any bagels from the morning snack, these are offered after fruit or vegetables.
Drinks Throughout the Day:
Water is readily available at all times. Children have access to their individual water bottles, provided by parents. If a child has forgotten their own bottle, water is offered in cups upon request or at appropriate times, as determined by an adult. Children are all encouraged to have a drink after coming in from the playground after lunch.