Reception

Meet the Staff

Mrs L Henry – Teacher

Miss M Griffiths– Teaching Assistant

There is a single form entry into Reception at St John’s; with the Reception class having their own room and a recently extended outdoor area. This outdoor learning environment has enabled the children to develop their love of exploring and investigating the natural world. The environment is set up to follow our themes, incorporating the children’s interests where possible. Our core texts are used to ignite the children’s imagination alongside our many visits and visitors. As the year progresses, the children are introduced to more focused tasks, in order to ensure a smooth transition into year 1.

Some of the key skills we will be focusing on are

Mathematical Skills

Recognising numbers to 20 and being able to place them in the correct order.
Knowing 1 more and 1 less than a number to 20.
Being able to count objects reliably.

Literacy Skills

Developing phonic skills, learning all the letter sounds then learning how to blend sounds together to read words, then sentences.
Using our phonic knowledge to segment (or break up) words into sounds to be able to write words, then sentences
Learning to write simple words then sentences
Learning to listen and retell stories using story language.
Learning to read simple words and sentences independently.
Learning to write own name and simple words and sentences.

Personal and Social Skills

Being able to work co-operatively as part of a small group and whole class to share resources and take turns.
Being able to consider our own and others’ feelings.
Developing independence e.g. putting on own clothes

When starting Reception with us your child will need;

Uniform – blue jumper, white or pale blue polo shirt, black or grey skirt/trousers and plain black shoes
Book Bag – which must be brought to school every day
P.E. kit – to be kept at school – t-shirt, shorts, sandshoes

Please label all clothing – this really helps to get everything back to the right child. Thank you

Take a tour of our Reception Classroom

Our Reception Environment

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St John's CE Academy Darlington

St John's CE Academy DarlingtonThursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 12:00pm

Due to popular demand, we are opening the Book Fair after school tonight from 3:20pm - 3:45pm.

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St John's CE Academy DarlingtonThursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 11:14am

GOODBYE AND THANKYOU

Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the unwavering support, kindness, and trust you have shown over the past few years. It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve this remarkable community and to play a part in shaping the lives of your truly wonderful children.

As I have previously mentioned, my daily commute to Darlington is considerable, so when the opportunity arose to take on a similar role at a school much closer to home, it offered the prospect of a better work life balance. This was not a decision I made lightly, but one I felt I could not reasonably decline.

Reflecting on my time at St John’s fills me with immense pride and affection. I joined the school as Assistant Head in January 2014 and had the great honour of becoming Headteacher in 2021. Following in the footsteps of Miss Large was no small task; however, from the very beginning, you welcomed me with warmth and generosity, for which I will always be deeply grateful. Working alongside such dedicated staff, supportive families, and, above all, such inspiring children has been an absolute joy.

As the saying goes, all things must come to an end. While this chapter is closing, the memories and relationships I have formed here will remain with me always.

Mrs Rossington will take on the role of Acting Headteacher for the summer term, supported by Mrs Ferris as Acting Deputy Head. Having worked closely with both colleagues over a number of years, I have every confidence that the school will continue to thrive under their care, and it will very much be business as usual. The Trust is currently undertaking the process of appointing a permanent Headteacher for September 2026.

As we approach the Easter period, I would like to wish you and your families a joyful and peaceful holiday, along with every happiness and success in the years ahead. St John’s will forever hold a very special place in my heart, and I will miss you all dearly.

With sincere affection and gratitude,

Mr Ramsay

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St John's CE Academy DarlingtonWednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 8:21am

Year 2 had great fun collecting weather data with their very own homemade equipment last week. They developed some fantastic Geography skills!

Year 2 - Collecting Weather Data

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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St John's CE Academy DarlingtonTuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 8:47pm

Our amazing dancers dazzled at the Hippodrome on Monday night at the Darlington Dance Festival. They had a wonderful time performing on the big stage and impressed everyone with their talent!

Thank you to Mrs Penteney, Miss Hodgson and Miss Taylor for helping our girls shine even brighter! If you missed their performance, take a look at the video to see the fantastic routine they performed for the rest of school!