Reception

Welcome to Reception at APS, the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and an exciting milestone in your son's educational journey. Following their time in Little APS, children enter Reception with growing confidence, independence and curiosity, ready to build on the strong foundations established during their early years.

Children join our Reception classes in the academic year in which they turn five.

Our school day runs from 8.45am to 3.20pm, with a warm and welcoming start each morning. Reception teachers greet the children at the gate and are always happy to speak with parents and carers at the beginning and end of the school day. For families who require additional flexibility, we also offer wraparound care from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

In Reception, we provide a carefully balanced curriculum that combines high-quality teaching with purposeful play and exploration. Following the EYFS Framework, learning is tailored to each child's interests and developmental needs across the seven areas of learning:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Communication and Language

Physical Development

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the World

Expressive Arts and Design

Each morning begins with a dedicated phonics lesson using the Read Write Inc. programme, supporting children to become confident readers, writers and communicators. A love of books is at the heart of our classroom, with daily stories, rhymes and Drawing Club sessions encouraging imagination, vocabulary development and early writing skills.

Mathematics is taught every day through engaging, practical experiences that develop children's understanding of number, shape, pattern and problem-solving. We aim to foster confidence and enjoyment while building secure mathematical foundations.

Reception children continue to benefit from specialist teaching in Physical Education, Spanish, Art and Music, enriching their learning and encouraging creativity, confidence and a wide range of talents.

Outdoor learning remains an important part of life in Reception. We are fortunate to have access to our own woodland area, Bell Field, and take part in Forest School sessions. These experiences promote curiosity, resilience and a deeper understanding of the natural world as children explore the changing seasons and learn through first-hand experiences.

At APS, we recognise that the Early Years are about much more than academic achievement. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn. Through strong relationships, high expectations and positive encouragement, we help children become resilient, independent and enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for their transition into Key Stage 1.

Most importantly, we want every child to leave Reception happy, confident and excited about the next stage of their education, with a lifelong love of learning.

We look forward to welcoming your family and sharing this special year with you.

Warm wishes,

Mrs Robinson, Mrs Bright and Mrs Murrell