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