Starting Reception at Glenworth

Our transition programme includes:  

• Parent information meetings  
• Stay and Play sessions  
• Opportunities to visit the Reception classroom  
• Meeting the Reception team  
• Visits to children’s nursery or pre-school settings   
• Discussions with previous settings to support continuity and transition  
• Opportunities for children to become familiar with school routines and expectations  

By working closely with families and early years providers, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of each child’s strengths, interests and individual needs before they join us.  

There are many simple ways families can help children prepare for school.  

We encourage children to develop increasing independence with:  

• Using the toilet independently  
• Washing and drying hands  
• Putting on and taking off coats  
• Managing zips, buttons and fastenings  
• Recognising their own name  
• Following simple instructions  
• Taking turns and sharing with others  
• Speaking and listening during conversations  

Sharing stories, talking about the day, playing games and encouraging curiosity are all excellent ways to prepare children for starting school.  

Our Reception curriculum is carefully designed to provide children with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive.  

Through a balance of adult-led learning, continuous provision and play-based experiences, children develop across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. A strong emphasis is placed on communication and language, early reading, mathematics, personal development, creativity and understanding of the world.  

Children enjoy exciting learning opportunities both indoors and outdoors, helping them develop confidence, independence and curiosity.  

Learning is organised around engaging themes that encourage curiosity, creativity and exploration:  

• Autumn 1 – All About Me  
• Autumn 2 – Celebrating Differences  
• Spring 1 – Adventurous Journeys  
• Spring 2 – Great Explorers  
• Summer 1 – Looking After Our World  
• Summer 2 – Tales and Wonders  

Reading is at the heart of everything we do at Glenworth.  

Children begin their reading journey through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, which provides a structured approach to developing early reading and writing skills. Alongside daily phonics lessons, children enjoy story times, class reading sessions and opportunities to develop a genuine love of books.  

Parents play an important role in supporting reading at home and we work closely with families to ensure children become confident and enthusiastic readers.  

Play is a vital part of learning in Reception. Our carefully planned continuous provision enables children to explore, investigate, create, problem solve and apply their learning independently.  

Through high-quality interactions, skilled questioning and purposeful play experiences, staff support children to deepen their thinking, develop language and build confidence as learners.  

A typical day in Reception includes:  

• Assemblies   
• Adult-led learning sessions  
• Daily Read Write Inc. phonics lessons  
• Continuous indoor and outdoor provision  
• Small group learning opportunities  
• Story time and class discussions  
• Play, exploration and discovery  

We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential.  

We communicate regularly with families and provide opportunities throughout the year for parents to become involved in their child’s learning.  

Tapestry

In Reception, we use Tapestry, our online learning journal, to share children’s experiences, achievements and special moments from school. Families are encouraged to contribute observations from home, helping us to build a fuller picture of each child’s development and celebrate learning both in and out of school.  

Parent workshops and information sessions

Throughout the year, we offer workshops and information sessions to help parents understand how children learn in Reception and how they can support learning at home.  

These may include sessions on:  

• Early reading and phonics  
• Mathematics  
• School readiness  
• Supporting learning at home  

For a Reception Welcome Booklet and other useful documents click here