EYFS/Reception & Year 1
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five. When children start in Reception at St Mary's they are completing their final year of the EYFS which will have begun in their pre-school setting.
At St Mary's we make the transition from pre school to school as easy as possible for children and their families. Our staff liaise closely with staff from all the pre-schools in the area, visiting regularly.
We have a number event to help children and families with the transition from pre-school to school. This shows the events we held in 2022. If your child goes to a pre-school not shown on this events list do not worry. The visits change each year depending upon where our children are coming from.
Once term starts children phase in gradually and we consult with parents every step of the way.
We understand that the relationship your child develops with the teachers and support staff in the school is absolutely key to their happiness and development. The teachers and teaching assistants spend the first few weeks of term playing with the children getting to know them as individuals and building positive and trusting relationships. Communication with parents is paramount and teachers and teaching staff are available at the start and end of the day to listen to parents and share any news.
As children progress through their Reception Year they follow the Foundation Stage Framework which is an integrated approach to early learning and care. Parents are regularly updated on their child's progress throughout the year as teachers carry out informal observations and assessments and we aim to work in partnership with parents to ensure the best outcomes for all children.
Above all we want our children to enjoy their first year at school and feel safe, secure and happy at St Mary's. The Foundation Stage teachers plan an exciting and varied programme of opportunities so that children are enthused and inspired and begin to develop a thirst for curiosity.
Below is our latest Topic web explaining all about our learning this term and our class newsletters.
2024 - 2025
Term 1
Marvellous me - What makes me a me?
Year 1 Cherry & Lime Newsletter
This year we are going to be using ‘Tapestry’, an online platform, to assess your child's development, provide you with up to date information and show footage of all the exciting things they get up to at school.
Your child will start to bring home Oxford Reading Tree books to read with you at home. It also helps to talk with your child about the different characters and what is happening in the pictures in the books.
To find out more about how reading and how you can help your child please read the EYFS Reading Information Booklet.