Reception

Hello and welcome to Reception

Autumn 2026

Reception have settled brilliantly into school life this term. They have quickly become familiar with our daily routines and are navigating the classroom with confidence. It has been lovely to watch them build close friendships with one another.

The children are making fantastic progress in phonics and show huge enthusiasm in every session. They are working hard to recognise their initial sounds and blend them together. Daily practice is helping them form their letters correctly and develop fine motor control.

In art, we explored how artists capture expressions and fine details in self-portraits. The children used handheld mirrors to observe their eyes, hair, and facial features carefully. After drawing their outlines, they added vibrant color and texture using different painting techniques.

Our science focus has been on the seasonal change into autumn. We went outside to observe the changing colours of the fallen leaves and natural surroundings. The children also discussed how temperatures drop and talked about choosing the right clothing to stay warm outdoors.

Reception recently had an exciting visit from a mobile climbing wall, giving all the children a fantastic opportunity to try something new. Everyone showed incredible bravery, confidently scaling the wall as high as they felt comfortable!

Summer 2026

Reception have continued to work hard during phonics sessions. They have been focused on writing full sentences and have started using their phonics skills in other areas of learning.

In PE, Reception have started having outdoor PE sessions. They have been practising their ball skills, such as throwing and catching. They have also started Bikeability, where they are learning how to ride bikes with our PE coach, Mr Drake. This has improved their confidence and balance.

In Science this term, Reception have been looking at sea creatures. We explored the habitats that are under the sea and what animals live there. We have also been learning about the different features of fish, including why they have gills and fins.

We have also been learning about the seasonal changes taking place and worked together to plant some flowers for the summer term.

Spring 2026

Reception have continued to work hard this term, particularly in their phonics and maths lessons, showing excellent focus and enthusiasm for learning.

In maths, the children have been developing their number skills by exploring how numbers can be made by adding one more. We have used cubes and a variety of other resources to represent numbers and to show the difference between them in a practical way.

During PE sessions, Reception have worked hard to practise different ways of moving around the space. The children have explored a variety of movements and developed their balance through the use of different equipment.

We were also very lucky to be visited by a GB Paralympic wheelchair basketball player. Ella Beaumont shared her inspirational story and showed us that everyone has the ability to achieve anything they put their mind to. She gave us the opportunity to try using the wheelchairs and shoot basketballs into a hoop, helping us to understand the skill, strength and determination she trains with.

In Understanding the World, the children have been learning about animals and where they live around the world. They have explored different habitats and discussed which animals live in each environment.

Autumn 2025

Reception have settled in brilliantly in their first term at school. They have enjoyed getting to know each other, learning and playing together.

Reception have been working really hard in their phonics lessons, showing great focus and determination as they develop their reading and writing skills. They love visiting the library to choose new books!

During our art lessons, we explored how artists create self portraits and the different techniques they use to show expression and detail. We used mirrors to carefully observe our features and draw self-portraits, then added colour and texture by painting over our drawings.

Reception have really enjoyed exploring our outdoor area, using the equipment and space to support our learning through play.

While playing outside, we also observed how the season of autumn changed the leaves and the world around us, noticing the different colours, textures, and sounds in nature.

We have also taken part in a variety of fine motor activities that have helped us to strengthen our hands and improve our control when holding a pen or brush.

Summer 2025

Reception thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to try fencing – we learnt different skills and had a wonderful time.

During Unique Week, we explored our unique brains and explored the different ways we experience the world.

Reception went to St Albans Cathedral. We saw stain glass windows and looked for shapes and colours. We also did some rubbings. It was a fantastic trip!