Reception 2022 - 2023
Hello and welcome to Reception. There are two Reception classes at Beechwood, they are called Oak and Elm. We spend time as a class and time together in the afternoons playing and learning in the environment. Everyone is always happy to help you, so please always feel you can come and talk to us if you've any questions or worries.
Who is who?
Oak Class
The class teachers in Oak Class are Mrs Smith and Miss Vaughan who are supported by Mrs Lewis.
Mrs Smith
Elm Class
Miss Sugarman is Elm Class' full time Class Teacher and Miss Stokoe is the Teaching Assistant who helps the class all week too!
Miss Sugarman
What do we do?
In Reception, we follow the interests of the children and plan rich opportunities for the children to learn through play. We work hard to create an exciting and stimulating environment to support the children throughout their learning. There are a number of different areas inside and within our outdoor environment for the children to explore. Following the children's interests, we have different topics which can last a half term. Additionally, we have nursery rhyme-themed weeks.
What does the day look like in Oak and Elm Class?
When the children first start school, they will have a few weeks of transition. This valuable time gives the children a chance to settle in and allows them to get to know all the staff and friends, we get to know them too. During the first half term, we do something called a 'Baseline.' This is where we assess the children, through 1:1 activities and observe them in their play. We take the time to get a good idea of what the children can do and plan their next steps in learning.
During the day, the children will do Phonics, Literacy, Maths, and Reading too, working in a group with an adult in their class. When they are in the continuous provision, inside or outside the classroom we will set up activities for them to learn through their play. If you click on the tabs above, you will be able to see what our Literacy and Maths focuses are for each half term. There are games and activities you can do at home to support your child's learning.
If you want to see what your child should be achieving, this document is really helpful and written for you, as parents. Next to it, is the Development Matters Document which is what we follow when planning and teaching in the Early Years. Click on the images to follow the links to read them.
What do I send my child into school with?
Every day, your child needs to bring their bookbag to school. It means if there are letters or important things to send home, we can put it into their bag. Once we send Reading books home, these will need to be in the Bookbag too, so it can be changed and we can see how much Reading your child has been doing at home.
Snack
The children can have snack each day, it costs £1.50 a week. You can either pay this weekly or send in money at once for a half term.
The children have free milk and fruit every afternoon too.
You don't need to send in a water bottle, the school provides one for every child and they are washed each night ready to fill the next day!
Lunch
All children in Reception are entitled to FREE SCHOOL MEALS or you can provide a healthy packed lunch from home. Please see our suggested pack lunch ideas below for healthy lunch box ideas or speak to your child's class teacher.
We understand some children can be choosey when it comes to lunch. We are here to help! We have worked with many parents in introducing new foods and school lunches to children. Please speak to your child's class teacher for more information on how we can support you and your child.
School Uniform
Your child is expected to wear the correct uniform each day.
This includes a white polo t-shirt, a red jumper with the school logo, black/ grey trousers or a black/grey skirt with black/grey tights and black school shoes.
Beechwood PE kit is:
Beechwood red logo T-shirt
Black shorts
Black pumps
Black or grey tracksuit trousers for winter months
Black or grey tracksuit top for winter months
Trainers for winter months
Please label all uniforms including coats, PE kits, and shoes. It becomes extremely difficult to locate a lost uniform without a name.
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Dojo
As a school we use an app called 'Class Dojo' to reward children's behaviour in school, to keep parents up to date with class news, and to contact parents through a private message service. As a parent, you will receive a login from your child's class teacher and will receive notifications for rewards and news posts.
Safeguarding
As a school, we take safeguarding very seriously. This includes internet safety and we are very aware that many children enjoy spending time on tablets, and phones and even playing with Alexa!
Help your child to stay safe online by clicking on the image below to keep up to date on tips and ideas for online safety.
Even though there aren't specific activities under the 'England' category for EYFS, you can explore Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales sections to find activities and learning opportunities. There are Maths and Literacy things to do!