Year R is the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is the statutory framework for children from birth to five years. This means that children will continue their learning journey from home, nursery or pre-school into Year R and continue to learn through play, with a balance of activities freely chosen by the child and focused learning opportunities led by an adult. A carefully planned transition programme is in place to enable children to settle into school quickly and easily.
To help children to feel secure at school, they each belong to a keyworker group of up to fifteen which is led by a familiar adult. Each class has its own garden area which means that children are able to access outdoor learning opportunities throughout the day and have plenty of fresh air and exercise.
We want to make sure that every child feels happy at school. Please feel free to talk to your child's class teacher whenever you are concerned about something. If you are not able to speak to us at the door, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment. Thank you.
Reception Year (YR or Early Years)
Year R is a very exciting place to be. We love to learn through play and interactions with each other and our teachers.
The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum consists of the Prime Areas of Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and the Specific Areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understand the World and Expressive Arts and Design.
For more detailed information about the content of the curriculum, please scroll down.
Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.
Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.
Religious Education is taught using the Hampshire 'Living Difference' syllabus.
Please click here to view what learning learning looks like during Spring 2025 for Year R.