Welcome To Reception!

The Team 

The Reception curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children learn through a combination of whole class sessions, small group teaching and independent exploration. Children will learn through seven areas of learning.

These are: 

• Communication and language 
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design 

Characteristics of Effective Teaching

All areas are underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning. These are positive learning behaviours such as trying new things, staying focused and solving problems. Children are supported by skilled staff who plan learning opportunities in response to children's needs. 

The Continuous Provision consists of the classroom environments and the outdoor area. Areas have been carefully designed to ensure that children have the opportunity to fulfil the seven areas of the curriculum through play, exploration and collaboration. We teach the children a range of skills, which they are then able to apply during their play.  

What Children Need: 

Children need to come to school dressed in uniform, with suitable footwear. This consists of a green or white polo shirt, a green jumper or cardigan, grey trousers, shorts, skirts or pinafore and black shoes. In the summer term children may wear green checked dresses and trainers on PE days.

 For more information about uniform, please see our uniform page by clicking here. 

Working Together 

We value strong communication with families. Parents are invited to review meetings in autumn and spring terms. In addition to this, you receive a mid term review as well as an end of year written report in the summer. Regular updates are shared through Parentmail and our closed Facebook group. If you have a general enquiry, feel free to ask staff during drop off or collection, but do let us know if you would like to discuss something in more detail. We will be happy to give you a call or book in a meeting with you. You can also email the school office with any enquiries. 

Our ‘Scrapbooks’ are used to help children talk about their family and home life. These are sent home at intervals across the year and help build connections between home and school. 

If you have a question or concern at any time, staff are available to talk with you. 

Supporting your child's learning

Starting Reception 

Children are invited to visit the setting before they start. Home visits or meet the teacher meetings take place during the Summer before children start. These help staff get to know each child and support a calm transition into the setting. We also stagger the children starting in September, enabling us to support the children in a smaller group when they first enter the setting. 

We really look forward to welcoming you and your child to our school. 

To make any general enquiries, discuss admissions, arrange a visit or find out more:  

email: schooloffice@shefford.cbeds.co.uk 

Phone: 01462 629123