Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Reception

At St Mary’s C of E (VA) Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the very best start to their learning journey. Our Reception provision offers a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment, rooted in our Christian vision to nurture our pupils to be the best they can be in every way.

We recognise that every child is unique and that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and confident. Through positive relationships, purposeful play and engaging learning experiences, we encourage our children to explore, discover, ask questions and develop a genuine love of learning. Our carefully planned EYFS curriculum provides a balance of adult-led teaching and child-initiated learning, giving children opportunities to develop their independence, creativity, communication and early skills across all areas of the curriculum.

Our dedicated staff get to know each child as an individual, building strong, trusting relationships and providing the encouragement, support and challenge needed for every child to make progress. Whether learning together as a class, working in a small group or exploring their own interests, children are encouraged to have a go, persevere when things are difficult and celebrate their achievements.

Throughout Reception, we nurture the foundations of our school’s six core values: perseverance, truthfulness, friendship, respect, trust and compassion. We help children to become confident, curious and resilient learners who can work collaboratively, express their ideas and develop positive relationships with others.

As the year progresses, our provision carefully prepares children for a smooth and confident transition into Year 1, ensuring they are ready for the next stage of their education. Above all, we want every child to feel a sense of belonging, enjoy coming to school and have the confidence to let their light shine as they grow.

Useful EYFS/Reception links:

School readiness:       Best Start in Life     Learners from Birth

Home-School Communication:     Tapestry Online Learning Journal

General Learning:     Teach your monster to read     Oxford Owl     Alphablocks     Numberblocks  BBC Bitesize

EYFS documents:     EYFS Statutory Framework     What to expect in the EYFS     Birth to 5 Matters     Development Matters

Safeguarding/Welfare:     NSPCC     Healthy Start     ERIC – toileting support     

Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service

SEND and Disability Support:     Essex County Council: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Essex Local Offer

Speech and Language Support:     Help for families - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives