• Homework
• MTP

Our Reception class is a warm and welcoming environment where exciting learning takes place every day. The classroom is full of opportunities for children to learn through play, including creative craft areas, cosy book corners, stimulating maths zones and a role-play area that helps children immerse themselves in each term's topic.

Throughout the year, we explore a wide range of exciting topics. For example, during our minibeasts topic, we raise our own caterpillars and watch them transform into beautiful butterflies before releasing them into the wild. We also learn about Africa and its incredible animals, as well as investigating our local environment and observing how it changes throughout the seasons.

We are committed to helping our children develop an understanding of the diverse world around them. We celebrate a range of multicultural events, including Diwali, where we make our own Diya lamps and learn Bhangra dancing. We also celebrate Lunar New Year by taking part in dragon dances, learning songs in Mandarin and tasting a variety of delicious dishes.

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This statutory framework sets out the learning and development requirements for all children in England and includes the Early Learning Goals that children work towards by the end of Reception before transitioning to Year 1. We carefully observe children's interests and use these to help shape and enrich their learning experiences.

At the beginning of the year, all children complete a Reception Baseline Assessment. This helps staff to plan effectively for each child's individual next steps. Children enjoy showing us what they can do and are always encouraged to celebrate their achievements. Throughout Reception, we promote resilience and independence, encouraging children to take risks, embrace challenges and develop confidence through a play-based approach to learning.

We place a strong emphasis on developing the three Prime Areas of Learning: Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Physical Development. These provide the foundation for success across all areas of the curriculum and support children as they develop their skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

Much of the learning in Reception takes place through continuous provision. Children have access to a large indoor and outdoor learning environment where they can explore all areas of the EYFS curriculum, including creative arts, imaginative play, construction, mathematics, literacy and understanding the world. Each area is carefully planned and resourced to support children's learning and development, with activities adapted regularly to meet their needs and interests.

The Reception team is dedicated to helping every child be the very best they can be at Longwood, and we look forward to sharing your child's learning journey with you.

If you have any questions about your child's learning or would like additional support, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with your child's teacher.