Reception Class
The Reception class at Spring Grove provides the best start for children as they begin full-time school.
What does Reception class look like at Spring Grove?
The Reception class at Spring Grove is located between the Nursery and main school building, while the Sweetland Pre-Prep building (opened in 2023) is also purpose-built for Reception and Key Stage 1 children. In both buildings Reception children have direct access to dedicated play spaces that act as extensions to the classroom.
Reception classes are led by specialist Early Years Teachers, each class with the support of a Teaching Assistant. Pupils are encouraged to progress at their own pace with teachers gently challenging and encouraging the children.
Well-established routines and consistent support from staff help children to settle and be confident in their learning environment.
How do we support children as they transition from Nursery to Reception class?
Whether your child has been in Spring Grove Nursery, at a childminder, at home, or in another setting, we aim to make the transition into Reception as easy as possible. We know that attending school full-time, five days a week, is a big step up for many children, and we plan our activities and timetable carefully to allow them to settle in and build up their confidence and stamina.
For children moving up from Spring Grove Nursery, the surroundings and many of the staff will already be very familiar. For children coming to Spring Grove from other settings, we offer taster sessions, and a ‘moving up day’ for them to familiarise themselves and feel at home when they arrive in September. If possible, our staff will also visit your child’s current setting in the Summer term before they start at Spring Grove.
What is the curriculum for Reception class?
Reception class is the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and our teaching focuses on the areas of learning and development outlined in the EYFS – communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. We continue to use the Tapestry app in Reception for communication between school and home.
Overview of Reception class:
- Teaching by experienced, well-qualified staff
- Full-time Teaching Assistants
- Excellent staff:pupil ratio
- Daily maths, phonics and literacy
- Chromebook provided for every pupil
- Topic activities and child-initiated play
- Regular assessment of pupil performance
- Two parent meetings and a full written report per year
- Access to high-quality learning resources
- Forest School
- Specialist teachers for Music, Sport, French and Swimming (Summer term)
- Option to take ballet lessons (additional cost)
- Lead roles in the Nativity Play at Christmas
- Assembly presentation in the Summer term
- Curriculum trips
- Reception clubs available
Beyond the Classroom
Broadening the children’s experiences is a key aim and the children have Forest School sessions every two weeks, trips, and visits from ZooLab and the Police and Fire services. In the Summer term the children start weekly swimming lessons, and in the same term they present their first Assembly to the whole school. Throughout the year, older pupils visit Reception class to read and play with the younger children.
