Reception is part of our Early Years (EY) Key stage at St Cuthbert’s, a distinct stage of education that children experience from the ages of 3 to 5 years.
Within our school, it comprises of two sections; Lower EY (Nursery) and Upper EY (Reception). The
EY follows a curriculum that places learning and achievement firmly within the context of play, practical and experiential learning.
Within this curriculum there are three Prime Areas of Learning:-
- Personal, Social, Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
Early Learning Goals
There are also four Specific Areas of Learning:-
- Literacy
- Maths
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
At St Cuthbert’s we strive to create a responsive and purposeful environment within which children have the freedom to take ownership over their learning, are given the time to develop their independence and are supported to have the confidence to make their own decisions and challenge themselves. We support children as they develop at their own pace, following Cornerstones curriculum, their interests and fascinations. Through positive and secure relationships, children have the opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and the enthusiasm to become life-long learners.
Along with work in books and floor books, in order to capture your child’s ‘learning journey’, we use a system called Evidence Me.
The ‘Parent Share’ feature in Evidence Me enables you to view reports (complete with photos) via the app or web suite, showing you what your child has been learning and the new skills they are developing.
You can send us your comments and feedback by simply adding them to the reports. This will help our staff to support your child even more effectively in the classroom.
You can also take an active role in contributing to your child’s observation portfolio by uploading your own observations, simply add these to the app or web suite. All we need is your email address.
Please visit http://help.evidence.me/parent-share/help-for-parents/ for further information and guidance.
Teaching your child to read early and well has multiple benefits. When children learn to read at an early age, they have greater general knowledge, expand their vocabulary and become more fluent readers. They also have improved attention spans and better concentration.
In Reception, we use Read, Write Inc (RWI) to teach your child the sounds they need to make them fluent readers. Please visit https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/ for further information about RWI.
We encourage you to read every day with your child, talk about the characters in the book and the events that are happening. When your child is ready, they will bring a RWI Phonic Book Bag Book home. These are engaging texts to support your child with additional reading practice outside the classroom. They have been specifically matched to your child’s phonic ability so that they can share their reading journey and celebrate their achievements with you at home.
Services include:
- Midwife and Health Visitor sessions.
- Activity sessions including volunteer led stay and play.
- A programme of workshops on a number of themes right across the 0 – 19 age range.
- Our friendly cafe where all are welcome, with some offering extended opening hours and providing tasty meals and snacks at great prices. Look out for special offers.
- Advice and information on services and activities happening in your area.
- Access to extra support when you need it.
- Opportunity to become a volunteer, sharing your skills and experience to help other families.