Reception

Welcome to Reception Class

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to our Reception Class. Starting school is such a significant milestone and we feel privileged to share this exciting new chapter with you. Reception is the beginning of your child’s learning journey in school — a time to grow in confidence, develop new skills and form lasting friendships.

Our Mission

With Jesus we learn, we care, we listen, we share, and above all we love — so that He might be seen in the people that we are and the things that we do.

Our school life is rooted in Gospel values, and in Reception we aim to create a joyful, nurturing environment where children know they are loved, valued, and supported.

Each day, we remind ourselves of our special motto:

JOY – Jesus, Others, Yourself.

This helps us to live out our faith in a practical way, putting Jesus first, caring for others, and developing respect and responsibility for ourselves.

Transition Days – Helping Your Child to Settle into School

Starting school is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a little overwhelming for young children. Transition days play a vital role in helping children make a smooth and happy start to their school journey.

Why are transition days important?

Building Familiarity – Children get the chance to explore their new classroom, playground and school environment before their first full day. This helps reduce worries and builds confidence.
Meeting Staff – By spending time with teachers and support staff, children begin to build trusting relationships and feel reassured that they are cared for and safe.
Making Friends – Transition days give children the opportunity to meet their peers, begin new friendships and practise important social skills.
Easing Separation – Shorter visits help children (and parents!) get used to the idea of being apart, making the move to full days less daunting.
Creating Excitement – Rather than feeling nervous, children begin to look forward to starting school because they already know a little of what to expect.

Our Aim

At our school, we want every child to feel happy, secure, and excited about starting Reception. Transition days give us the opportunity to welcome children gently, helping them take their very first steps into school life with confidence and joy.

Please refer to the letter given to you during our home visits in July for the settle sessions your children will be completing.

From Wednesday 3rd September - Friday the 19th September

Morning session: 08:45/9-12:00 - please drop your children off at the reception class entrance. We will settle them in from there. Pick up will be from the main entrance.

Afternoon session: 13:00-15:30 - please drop of your children off at the main entrance - we will collect your children from there. Pick up will be from the reception class entrance.

From Monday 15th September, children will attend full time. 08:45 - 15:30

From Monday 23rd September, please drop off and collect your children by the reception class entrance.

Our Daily Routine

A clear routine helps children feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

Here is what a typical day in Reception looks like:

Morning Drop-off – Children are welcomed into the classroom and begin the day with calm activities to help them settle. We offer a soft start, please drop of your children from 08:45 - 08:55
Morning Prayer and Register – We begin each day by coming together in prayer, remembering that Jesus is at the heart of all we do.
Phonics and Literacy – Focused teaching and activities to develop early reading and writing skills.
Play and Exploration – Time to explore indoor and outdoor areas, choosing activities that support learning through play.
Snack Time – A healthy snack is shared and children develop independence by helping themselves.
Mathematics – Practical, hands-on activities to build confidence with numbers, shapes and problem-solving.
Outdoor Learning – Daily outdoor play encourages physical development, teamwork and curiosity about the natural world.
Collective Worship / RE – Short, meaningful times of prayer or reflection, celebrating our faith.
Lunch – A social time for eating together and practising good table manners.
Afternoon Learning – Topic-based activities, creative arts and opportunities for Understanding the World.
Story and Reflection – Each day ends with a story and reflection, helping children to wind down, share experience and give thanks.

This balance of structured learning and play ensures children develop key skills while enjoying their time at school.

Working in Partnership with Parents

We know that parents are children’s first and most important educators. We value strong partnerships and work closely with families to support every child’s learning and development.

You can support your child at home by: