Reception Curriculum
Reception
Welcome to FS2
In Reception we learn through play as we believe the development of the whole child is essential. We believe that children learn best through a balance of play based activities, first hand experiences, as well as carefully planned adult directed tasks. Within the continuous provision we develop our social, physical and communication skills. We explore and discover the world around us focusing on our local area, past and present and immersing ourselves in a range of stories, texts and poems. We have the opportunity to think creatively, investigate and solve problems both individually and within a group.
We spend a lot of our time outside, where we are fortunate enough to have climbing equipment and bikes to develop our gross motor muscles. The outdoors is a fundamental aspect of our children’s learning. Therefore, we have free flow access to the outdoor space. We have access to a large loose parts area, climbing equipment and a variety of open-ended resources to enhance learning in all areas. This enables us to build resilience, problem solve with others and use our imagination. We understand that all areas of learning can be achieved outside while the children’s long-term social, emotional and mental health are being enhanced.
We understand the development of children’s spoken language underpins all 7 areas of learning. Because of this we expose the children to high quality texts, promote core vocabulary and provide opportunities for children to read for pleasure. Throughout the week children participate in Rainbow Talk, Drawing Club and Helicopter story lessons. This supports children’s imagination, vocabulary and language skills.
We encourage parent participation through termly workshops linked to our topics, Class Dojo and through our home reading scheme.
Like in nursery, children in the FS2 setting learn through child-led continuous provision activities and adult led focus sessions. Children participate in sessions, either as a class, small group or 1-1 where appropriate. Our inclusive curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the whole child. We ensure our learning experiences are shaped towards the children’s interests as well as ensuring coverage of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. In addition, we use the development matters document to support the developmental needs of each child.
The Early Years Curriculum has 7 areas of learning. These are:
Communication and Language
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
We also use the Cornerstones Curriculum to support children’s learning and ensure consistency throughout school. See below for our information about our curriculum.
Our Curriculum
Autumn | Project overview |
Let’s Explore | This project teaches children about the environments that they share with others, including their homes, school and places in the local community. |
Marvellous Machines |
This interest-led project teaches children about the technology that is part of their daily lives and how machines help us. The project gives children the opportunity to build and create marvellous machines. |
Parent information
Spring | Project overview |
Long Ago | This project teaches children about how they have grown and changed since they were babies and how life in the past was different from today. |
Ready, Steady, Grow |
This project teaches children about food and farming and explores themes, including where food comes from, what plants and animals need to grow and survive and what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. |
Signs of Spring |
This project teaches children about the changes that happen during the spring, including weather and the festivals that are celebrated at this time of year. |
Parent information
Summer | Project overview |
Animal Safari | This project teaches children about the animals that live around the world, how to look after animals and the importance of caring for our local and global environments. |
On the Beach
| This project teaches children about the plants and animals that live at the seaside. It also explores holidays in the past and the importance of keeping safe in the Sun.
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Creep, Crawl and Wriggle
| This mini project teaches children about invertebrates that live in their gardens and local environment.
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