Reception (Kusama and Nelson)

Reception is the name given to a child’s first year at school. It is part of our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children turn 5 years old during this academic year. Our two Reception classes are Kusama and Nelson, named after artists: Yayoi Kusama and Kristin Nelson.

“The earth, moon, sun and human beings all represent dots; a single particle among billions.”

-Yayoi Kusama

“I just want to paint.” Kristin Nelson

Click here to see our EYFS in action! 

Reception

At King Athelstan, we want every child to have a happy, confident and positive start to Reception. Children have a staggered start in September, giving them time to settle into their new environment, get to know their teachers and make new friends.

Our Reception day is play-based, with children learning through a balance of adult-led experiences, small-group activities and child-initiated play. Children have lots of opportunities to explore, investigate and follow their own interests, both indoors and outdoors. Our staff carefully support and extend children's learning through play, conversations and meaningful interactions.

Our exciting curriculum is built around high-quality, engaging texts, which link with our whole-school approach to literacy. These provide opportunities for children to develop their communication and language, early reading and writing skills, while also supporting learning across the wider curriculum.

Our classrooms are designed to encourage curiosity, independence and creativity. Children can access a range of learning experiences that support their early reading, writing, mathematics, physical and creative development. We encourage children to take risks, try new things and develop a love of learning.

Curriculum: 

Click here to see our EYFS curriculum 

Skills Progression Documents: 

Reception Skills Progression 

Phonics

We begin our Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme within the first few weeks of September, helping children get off to a strong start with their early reading. We introduce four sounds each week alongside high-frequency words and use Makaton to support children's understanding and learning.

Click here to read more about phonics at King Athelstan

Reading at home is an important part of your child's learning. We encourage families to read with and to their child every day. We also hold a reading workshop at the start of the school year to share ideas and information to support reading at home.

Mathematics

We follow a Maths Mastery approach, helping children to develop a deep understanding of number and mathematical concepts. Each day includes a short teacher-led maths input, followed by opportunities for children to explore and practise their learning through purposeful play and activities within the classroom environment.

Mathematics is embedded throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to use their mathematical thinking naturally as they play, explore and solve problems, developing their understanding of number, counting, comparison, patterns, shape, space and measure in meaningful ways.