Reception 2026-27

2026-27

Our teachers in Reception are Mrs N. Cooper and Mrs J. Ward/ Mrs K. Tollan

Learning Support: Mrs N. Jackson and Mrs B. Johnson

'Calm Start, Safe Finish'

At St. Mary's, we encourage all of our Reception children to enjoy a gentle 'soft start' to their day. Classrooms are set up with low or natural lighting, calm background music, and a simple morning task designed to support self-regulation and create a positive, settled beginning. This approach is research-informed, and our pupils genuinely look forward to coming into school calmly, ready to engage in a fun activity before registration at 8:55am.

Gates open at 8:45am and are locked at 8:55am. You do not need to be rushing to the gates for 8:45am! We allow ten minutes for the children to stagger in and create a calmer, steadier start to the day as opposed to a big rush of pupils. Parents are welcome to bring their children straight to the classroom doors, have a quick cuddle and drop them with our waiting, friendly staff. If your child arrives after the gates have closed, please escort them to the main office, where a member of staff will ensure they reach their classroom safely.

Children are released individually from the same doors at 3:20pm. We ask parents to form an orderly queue while we dismiss pupils on a one-to-one basis. This supports our safeguarding procedures and allows for a brief handover if there is anything important to share before children head home.

Our Classroom

Our Reception classrooms offer an inclusive, warm, and welcoming environment where children are nurtured to grow and thrive both academically and spiritually. Rooted in our mission to be 'called to love as God loves', we place Christ at the heart of all we do, with daily opportunities for prayer, worship, and reflection supported by dedicated altars in each classroom. Through carefully planned continuous provision, children are encouraged to become adventurous in their play, curious in their thinking, and confident in their choices. Calm and purposeful spaces allow us to celebrate each child’s unique achievements while supporting their progress and fostering a deep sense of faith, belonging, and joy in learning.

Reception Outdoor Facilities

Our Reception outdoor area is a vibrant, nature-rich space available all year round(even in almost all weather!) offering children endless opportunities to explore, imagine, and grow. Through nature-based play, children connect with the world around them, engaging their senses, taking safe risks, constructing, moving freely, and developing their creativity. We believe outdoor learning is just as critical as indoor learning, and our carefully planned provision across both environments supports development in all areas of the curriculum. With plenty of opportunities for outdoor play every day, children thrive in a setting that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

Things to Remember

Children will wear their PE kit to school on their PE day - Thursday. They will wear this same kit for Forest School on the same day. They will need a pair of wellington boots to keep in school.

Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

Within the Foundation stage we have worked hard to create a curriculum that allows the Nursery year and Reception year to complement each other. This builds on skills that are established in Nursery within Reception to enable children to become school ready at the end of the Foundation stage.

Please click on the picture link to learn more about the EYFS Curriculum at St Mary's and use this link to view our Reception Class Planning documentation.

Phonics Support

We have launched a new reading scheme to match with our phonics capabilities. This means that we are sending home books similar to those the children have been doing in class that same week.

The Read Write Inc book bag book is targeted at your child's reading ability - they are to read this book independently. Please go over the green/red words at the beginning, to ensure they understand the vocabulary. Ask them questions using the information at the back of the books or ask them to retell the story,

Please click on the picture link to learn more about how phonics is taught at St Marys.

	Rhymes for Letter Formation - Read, Write Inc	[pdf 197KB]
	Phonics Sounds - Read Write Inc	[pdf 478KB]

Phonics Support

Please select the document below.

Reception RWI Phonics Support Parents Presentation

[pdf 975KB]

St Mary's Instagram

Please follow us on instagram stmarys_rcp

Tapestry

We use Tapestry to share your children’s learning and key information throughout the year. All parents should now be able to access Tapestry and are encouraged to add your own observations that your child would like to share with his or her class.