Reception
Welcome to our Holly class.
In Holly class, we love learning and playing and spend our days doing just that. There are lessons every day which focus on one of the seven areas of development from the EYFS curriculum.
The children have lessons with the teacher for Phonics, Maths and English, read with an adult in school, and take home reading books.
Learning takes place both indoors and out.
Admissions
Reception Tours
If you would like to look around Holly class please do contact the school office to arrange a tour.
Age for Admission
Holly class is open to children from the September after their fourth birthday.
Parents are required to complete a Common Application Form from their home Local Authority, naming the school, and also complete our Supplementary Information Form. Those applying for a Foundation Reception place should get the Minister’s Reference form (Part B) completed by their Minister and return it to the school, along with Part A.
Casual admissions throughout the year will be subject to the same admissions criteria found within the Admissions’ Policy.
Session Times
Holly class operates from Monday to Friday. Doors open at 8:40am and pupils finish at 3:15pm.
Admissions Policy
Please see our Admissions’ Policy here. Please note that attendance at Nursery does not guarantee a place in the Reception class and parents with children in the school must not assume younger siblings will automatically gain a place. The school may be oversubscribed and parents and carers are advised to look carefully at the Admissions’ Policy and see advice to ensure that forms are correctly and fully completed.
Please contact the school office to enquire about places in our Reception.
Joining Reception
If you are a new parent or carer to our Reception – WELCOME! We hope that you and your child will enjoy being part of our community. We want to work closely with you during your child’s time with us.
Induction for new Reception Children
We aim to ensure that all children settle quickly and happily into Reception. Our induction programme provides several opportunities for you and your child to share information with our staff and get to know them:
- Taking part in a formal tour or informal visit;
- Children and parents stay and play session;
- Home visits (if your child is new to the school);
- Children will be given a transition book with simple pictures and information about Reception, to help them feel at home when they arrive.
During the induction, parents can share information with staff such as medical issues, special educational needs and disabilities or concerns. If you would like to arrange to meet with staff to discuss any particular needs in addition to this then please let us know.
Settling in
Our staff have plenty of experience to help your child come happily to school. Some children find it difficult to settle into Reception at the beginning of the day, particularly when they are new. This is perfectly normal so try not to worry about this. Initially parents/carers of Reception children are welcome to come in and help children hang up their coats and book bags. As children grow in confidence they will be encouraged to become more independent.
Children usually settle very quickly when their parent has left. We will let you know if your child does not settle and you can always ring up the office to check.
What Should my Child Wear?
Pupils in Holly class wear a school uniform similar to the rest of the school. They wear a white polo shirt and a navy school jumper or cardigan with grey school trousers, shorts or skirts. In the summer months children can wear blue summer dresses. Pupils are required to wear black school shoes, not trainers.
For PE they wear a white round neck t-shirt and navy shorts or navy jogging bottoms. We need to wear black plimsolls or trainers on our feet for these lessons.
We must put our name on all our clothes.
Uniform displaying the school logo can be purchased from our uniform supplier and trousers, skirts and shorts are sold widely. More information about our uniform can be found here.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Your child will need to bring the following:
- Named water bottle
- Named lunchbox (if not ordering school lunches) – please do not send in any food containing chocolate or nuts due to severe allergies
- Bag with a complete change of clothes to be left on your child’s peg
A healthy snack will be provided by Reception each day – children will be offered a choice of fruit.
Lunchtime
Children will be provided with a freshly cooked lunch every day, please visit Colham Catering portal to create an account and start ordering, all menu options are free of charge for Reception children. Menu can be accessed here.
We are a nut free school, if you are providing a packed lunch please ensure it will be nut free.
Communication
We use Class Dojo to support communication between parents/carers and adults within Reception. Your Induction Pack will have all the essential information regarding this.
All parents receive a weekly Newsletter giving information about important dates and activities taking place across the school.
How do I know what my child is doing and learning in Reception?
Each half term, you will receive a Curriculum Map detailing the topic that your child is learning. It will give details about learning from the key aspects of The Early Years Framework. In addition, Class Dojo will be used to share what the children are learning on a daily basis.
Twice a year the school conducts Parents’ Evenings at which time you will be able to discuss your child’s progress and see some of their work. Additionally, appointments can be made with the Class Teacher at a mutually convenient time.
At the end of the year, you will receive a written report detailing your child’s progress throughout the year.
Collective Worship
Collective Worship is an important part of our school life.
Reception join the rest of the school for Collective Worship in the school hall. They also sometimes have Collective Worship in the classroom. Each half term Reception focus on one of the Christian Values: honesty, resilience, responsibility, self-control, empathy and equity. Collective worship helps us to understand these values.
Each week, Reception have a Religious Education lesson (RE) where they learn about Christianity through role play, model making and creative arts.
Throughout the year they visit St. Andrew’s and St. Margaret’s Church for Eucharist and whole school worship.
