Reception
Through engaging lessons, daily phonics, practical maths, specialist teaching, outdoor adventures and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and create, every child is encouraged to sparkle and shine. Whether joining us from our Pre-Reception or another setting, our carefully planned transition activities ensure children feel settled, secure and excited from the very beginning.
Learning to Read, Write and Communicate
Developing a love of reading is at the heart of Reception. Children enjoy daily phonics lessons using the Read Write Inc. programme, learning in small groups across the Lower School according to their stage of development rather than their age. This ensures that every child receives the right level of support and challenge, helping them to make excellent progress as they begin their reading journey.
Stories, rhymes and high-quality books inspire children's learning and imagination, while Talk for Writing helps them become confident communicators and writers. Through storytelling, role play and creative activities, children build vocabulary, express their ideas and develop the foundations for successful writing. They are encouraged to see themselves as authors, full of wonderful ideas worth sharing, while continuing their journey with cursive handwriting and taking pride in forming beautifully joined letters as their confidence and fine motor skills grow.
Read Write Inc! is designed to create fluent readers, confident speakers, willing writers and able spellers
Ruth Miskin, Founder
Building Confidence with Numbers
Mathematics in Reception is practical, playful and full of exploration. Through games, songs, investigations and hands-on resources such as Numicon, children develop a secure understanding of number and begin to make connections between mathematical concepts.
Whether they are counting skittles, hunting for shapes outdoors or solving problems together, children are encouraged to explain their thinking, persevere and discover that making mistakes is an important part of learning.
A World of Opportunities
Reception children enjoy a rich and varied curriculum, with opportunities to learn beyond their classroom and explore different parts of the school. They look forward to weekly lessons in French, Music, Drama, PE, Games and Swimming, where specialists help them discover new interests and build confidence from an early age. They also begin their computing journey with their class teacher, developing mouse control skills and exploring early programming concepts through hands-on activities with Indy Cars.
Our weekly Discovery Afternoons provide opportunities for children to investigate, create and explore through gardening, Woodland Learning activities, STEAM challenges and scientific investigations. They learn to observe closely, ask questions, make predictions and test their ideas, nurturing curiosity, creativity and a willingness to have a go.
Children practise and increase their speaking and listening skills through exploratory play, storytelling and music lessons
ISI Inspection 2026
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Outdoor learning is woven into the fabric of Reception life. With free-flow access to their outdoor area and regular woodland adventures, children are encouraged to climb trees, build dens, drill conkers, create woodland art and even crush chalk to make their own paint. They learn to work together, take sensible risks and develop a love of the natural world through hands-on exploration and discovery. Sessions often end gathered around the logs with hot chocolate and biscuits, sharing stories and reflecting on their adventures.
In the early years, children develop their gross and fine motor skills through carefully planned activities
ISI Inspection 2026
Ready for the Adventure Ahead
By the end of Reception, children leave with strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics, but perhaps more importantly, with kindness, resilience, curiosity and an enthusiasm for all that lies ahead. They are happy, confident children who are ready for the exciting adventures of Years 1 and 2.
