Foundation Stage
OPEN WEEK 13th Oct - see prospective parents web page
Welcome to the Foundation Stage. No doubt, it will have been a busy summer getting ready for starting school. The children look so grown up in their smart uniforms.
In the Foundation Stage area, there are three classes - there are two reception classes and one which is reception and year1.
The reception children's learning is all planned in line with 'The Early Years Foundation Stage' guidance. All the activities and play opportunities encompass the six areas of learning:
Personal, social and emotional development - this is where children develop social skills, respect for others and a positive self image. It also includes the way children play and work together; how they share and interact in various situations and learning about other cultures.
Communication, language and literacy - this includes reading and writing and developing speaking and listening skills through role-play, stories and rhymes.
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy - this is developing an understanding of mathematical areas such as number, shape, pattern and problem solving.
Knowledge and understanding of the world - this helps children to develop skills and understanding to make sense of the world around them. Learning about their past, people, environments and other cultures. Children also experience the technological world around them, e.g. using computers and programmable toys.
Physical development - this area is concerned with the development of fine motor skills e.g threading, cutting, drawing, painting, writing. Also, children's large body movements e.g. running, balancing, climbing, throwing and catching. Children develop their skills of coordination, control, movement and manipulation indoors and outdoors.
Creative development - children explore, learn and play using a wide variety art and craft activities. They express themselves through their art work, music, dance using all their senses.
The year 1 children's learning in the mixed class, B1, is all planned in line with the National Curriculum.
Starting School When children first come to school and spend their first year in reception, we aim for it to be a happy, stimulating, exciting place for them to learn and play. Play underpins the development and learning for young children.
We aim to provide well planned experiences for the children to develop their skills, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Remembering that each child learns at a different pace and has their own learning style. A happy and rewarding learning experience in reception provides a firm foundation for future success.
Just a reminder for parents -
Milk and fruit - all reception children are offered milk and fruit for morning play.
Water bottles - each child's bottle should be clearly labelled with their name. Don't worry if you forget to bring a water bottle one day, we will provide a drink for your child. Children are free to take a drink from their water bottles when they need one during the day. (A separate drink should be included in their lunch bag please).
P.E. kits should be brought in to school on a Monday and left on your child's coat peg for the week. The P.E. kits will be sent home on a Friday for washing.
Blue book bags - children should bring their book bag to school every day. It is really useful to put letters in, to keep their reading book in and to take work home.
Reading books will be issued twice a week. When you have read with your child, please record your comment in the Reading Record Book.
We will do our best to ensure that your child's first experience of school is a happy one. Should you have any questions, please see your child's class teacher.
The Foundation Stage Team
