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Year R - Information and Overview

Welcome to Reception

We are so pleased to welcome the children into their new classes for the start of their school journey. The children had a lovely first transition session and all settled so well, beginning to familiarise themselves with their new environment and expectations. Before we tell you about all the exciting things we do in Reception, we would like to introduce you to the Early Years Team 2023-2024. Miss Davies is the Early Years Leader and the teacher in Plum Class on Mondays-Thursdays. On Friday, the teacher will be Mrs Masters. They will be supported by Mrs Meredith. The teachers in Apple Class are Mrs Jupe and Mrs Williams, and they will be supported by Miss Kean. Cherry Class will be taught by Miss Cooper and she will be supported by Mrs Jones on Mondays - Wednesdays and Mrs Sargeant on Thursdays and Fridays.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our Welcome Meeting (further details to follow in the future). 

The Early Years

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum includes three prime areas of learning and four specific areas as follows:

Prime areas: are fundamental, work together and support development in all other areas.

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development

Specific areas: include essential knowledge and skills for children to participate successfully in society.

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

You can find lots of resources and useful information on this page to support you in understanding your child’s first year at school. This includes curriculum maps, contact information, ways to support your child at home and information about ‘Seesaw’ the online learning journal we use.

Parental Partnership

At Hiltingbury, we value working alongside parents and recognise the positive impact these successful relationships have on your child’s learning and social and emotional development. You are the experts of your child; their first and enduring educators. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s learning, social or emotional needs, then please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. This can be arranged at drop off or collection if appropriate or alternatively you can arrange a telephone call or meeting through the school office.

Seesaw

Seesaw is a secure online learning journal to upload photos, observations and comments, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Children will be taught how to use this platform and this will be enhanced during their time with us. This system allows parents to see uploaded items from the children’s play and learning in and outside of the classroom. We encourage parents to be actively involved in your child’s learning and welcome home observations detailing what your child has accomplished at home.

Topics

Within Year R, the topics change frequently and are reflective of the needs and interests of the children. The indoor and outdoor classroom environment are updated frequently to ensure engaging, motivational and exciting learning opportunities are provided for your child. You will receive a curriculum newsletter each half term which will provide you with more detail over topics and subject content. 

Phonics  

We follow the Little Wandle programme. The Little Wandle programme is devised into phases and is taught on a daily basis. Children start phonics straight away when they start in Reception. We have devised a phonics glossary to support you as parents in using the terminology at home with your child when reading, sharing and discussing books. We also use cued articulation which is a system that shows where and how the sounds are made within the mouth.

Year R welcome meeting

Curriculum Overviews

Home Learning - School Closures

  1. Curriculum Overview Autumn 1
    pdf
  2. Year R Home Learning Pack
    pdf