Welcome to Reception class
Welcome to our Reception class Information Page. On this page you will find out what our Reception children will be learning throughout the year, our latest termly class newsletter, and other relevant information.
In Reception Class we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework . It is based upon four themes:
- A Unique Child – developing resilient, capable, confident and self-assured individuals
- Positive Relationships – supporting the children in becoming strong and independent self-assured individuals
- Enabling Environments – where opportunities respond to individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents/carers
- Learning and Development – acknowledging that children learn in different ways and at different rates
The EYFS framework (used in England for children from birth to age five) structures learning into Prime Areas and Specific Areas.
Prime Areas of Learning
These form the foundation for all later learning.
1. Communication and Language
- Listening, attention, understanding, and speaking.
- Developed through conversations, stories, rhymes, and vocabulary-rich environments.
2. Physical Development
- Gross motor skills: running, climbing, balancing.
- Fine motor skills: pencil grip, using tools, threading.
- Supports writing, self-care, and healthy habits.
3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
- Self-regulation, confidence, relationships, emotional understanding.
- Includes turn-taking, managing feelings, and forming friendships.
Specific Areas of Learning
These build on the prime areas and introduce academic and cultural knowledge.
4. Literacy
- Early reading and writing skills.
- Phonics, storytelling, mark-making.
5. Mathematics
- Numbers, counting, shapes, measures, patterns.
6. Understanding the World
- Exploring the environment, communities, technology, and nature.
7. Expressive Arts and Design
- Creativity through art, music, movement, role-play, and design.
Children experience multiple areas simultaneously (e.g., painting involves fine motor skills, communication, and creativity). The prime areas underpin progress in the specific areas.
These seven areas collectively support holistic development and readiness for school.
More information on the EYFS framework and how it is delivered at St Jude’s is included in our Early Years Policy which can be found on our General Policies page.
Our EYFS Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement
Long Term Plan
Below is the plan showing the topics taught through the year. Please see the curriculum subject pages for more information regarding the topics.
Early Years Core Stories and Rhymes
Termly Class Newsletter
Below is the relevant information that you will need for this term. If you have any further questions please see the class teacher.
What to expect in the EYFS – A Guide for Parents
What are Reception learning this term?
Phonics and reading
Systematic synthetic daily phonics is taught following the Read Write Inc Programme throughout Early Years and Key Stage 1, beginning in the summer term of Pre-school. Pupils are grouped according to ability across the year groups. Progress is tracked throughout the year by the early reading and phonics lead and groupings are adjusted accordingly. Pupils in Year 1 have a National Phonics Screening Test in June.
Reading
We use the Read Write Inc reading scheme throughout Early Years and Key Stage 1 where books are fully decodable and correlate with where the child is up to in the scheme. When ready, children are sent home two books which are matched to their reading level from Read, Write, Inc. and a book to read for pleasure with an adult, which will be from the school library.
If you have any questions or would like any further information about the curriculum or how you can further support your child’s learning at home then please speak to your child’s class teacher.
If you would like any copies of the documents on this page, the school office will be happy to print them for you.
Helping your child at home
To help your child with Maths click here for some helpful tips
To help your child with Phonics click here for some helpful tips
To help your child with oral hygiene click here for some helpful tips
For ideas and activities for 4-5 year olds click here
To see which picture books your 4/5 year old would enjoy click here