Reception
EYFS
Our long established Foundation Unit caters for the social, emotional and educational needs of 3-5 year olds. Our unit is divided into nursery and reception classes where each child is special and their individual needs are met.
Children are able to access activities in both classes during continuous provision. This enables staff to plan and cater for all learning styles and abilities.
Alongside a spacious and bright interior, children have access to their own safe, separate and contained outside area. Funding obtained from the Big Lottery Fund allowed us to extensively refurbish this area and provide the children with many stimulating areas to learn through play.
The staff of the Foundation Unit are highly experienced in the care and teaching of Early Years children and deliver an exciting, challenging and creative curriculum both indoors and outdoors.
The Unit is a bright and welcoming place for young children where they feel safe, secure, confident and happy.
Phonics
Children have a daily phonics lesson differentiated to their ability. We follow letters and sounds alongside multi-sensory actions from Jolly Phonics to embed each sound and learn the letter names. Parents are invited to regular phonics meetings which provide information to help you support your child at home.
Reading
Reading books are changed in reception every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is crucial that you listen to your child read at home as often as possible. If your child reads at least three times through the week, has their reading record signed and brings their book into school, they will be a reading star and have the chance to win a book.
Writing
Children use their phonic knowledge to write words and then simple sentences. We use ‘Talk for Writing’ in the foundation unit which helps the children to learn stories off by heart by using actions.
During daily maths sessions children have opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, recognising and using numbers and then calculating simple addition and subtraction problems through the use of Numicon and other practical equipment and games.
Maths sessions will also focus on the language of time, shape, space and measure which will enable children to understand solve problems in different contexts.
We follow the EYFS curriculum and use Development Matters when assessing children’s learning. Children learn through child-initiated play in areas of provision as well as adult-directed tasks.
We believe that children have the right to learn outdoors during the EYFS and much of our learning takes place outside. We have a creative curriculum and base learning around a theme and by following the children’s interests as well as responding to seasonal events.
Spellings homework will be sent home every Monday linked to each child’s phonics phase. Children will have a spelling quiz on Friday on these words.
On Friday children will have work based on their learning through the week. This could be phonics, mathematics or topic related.
Educational trips and visitors play a vital role in the foundation unit. They inspire and excite the children as well as enhancing their learning. We have regular opportunities to visit areas outside school using our school minibus.
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| EYFS Autumn 1 2018-2019 | 119.64 kb | 61 | DownloadPreview |
Miss L. Jackson – Reception Teacher
“I have taught at West Street for 6 years in year 1 and more recently in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Before this I was a swimming teacher and still love swimming in my spare time. When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family and going on lots of holidays.”
Mrs C. Bradshaw – Reception Teacher
“I have worked at West Street since September 2017. Prior to this I worked in Early Years and Key Stage 1 at a school in Burnley. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and reading.”
Mrs J. Dobson – Reception Teaching Assistant
“I started working at West Street in September 2016. I work within the Early Years Foundation Stage unit – which I enjoy, especially the outdoor area. I am married with a little girl and have 2 ‘naughty’ little dogs who love to chew my house up whilst I’m at work. I enjoy spending time outside, taking my dogs for walks, camping and taking holidays to France.“
Mrs J. Whitworth – Reception Teaching Assistant
“I joined West Street 5 years ago and have always been in the foundation unit. I enjoy my job and take pride in watching pupils at West Street grow. I have 3 children aged 15, 12 and 7 years plus a husband and a very cute dog! In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog, yoga, meditation and eating food! You will always find me with a smile on my face!”
Mrs S. Reynolds – Reception Teaching Assistant
“I have worked for 8 months in reception and currently I am in year 1. Before working at the school I was a parent governor for 2 years. I have 4 children who have all been pupils at West Street. I myself was also a pupil at West Street many years ago. I feel privileged to be a part of the school – the staff, pupils and parents are wonderful!“
Classroom Activities
Suggested Resources for Parents & Pupils
EducationCity
Passionate about providing engaging, educational resources and games for students aged 3-12 years
PhonicsPlay
The PhonicsPlay website is filled with free interactive games, phonics planning, assessment ideas and printable resources.
Topmarks
Helping teachers and parents save time finding excellent online educational resources.