1. Welcome to Reception at Excalibur Primary School

2. What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year.
It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.

3. The Learning Environment - outdoor

4. The Learning Environment - indoor

5. Enrichment

6. The school day At 8.50am we will open the door to show that you are welcome to come in the classroom. Each child has their own peg and drawer. Reading bags are placed in a coloured trug. Each child has been put into a colour group. Snacks, money and any other items such as sun cream and hats go into your child’s drawer.

7. They need to find their name and register on the welcome board.
Next to their name there will be an activity for them to do and it will be time for you to say goodbye!

8. The first day!

9. Snack time and lunchtime Snack – morning break
Snack time and lunchtime Snack – morning break. If you wish your child to have a snack please send a healthy snack from home or if they are purchasing school break please send a named purse with enough money in. Snack – afternoon break. Children receive a piece of fruit and milk each day. Sometimes we provide other snacks such as toast or crackers. Lunchtime – school dinner or a packed lunch. Please include a separate drink for lunchtime if your child is having a packed lunch. No fizzy drinks please.

10. PE kit It will be sent home every few weeks for washing.
Please name EVERYTHING!

11. What to bring each day! A coat! Sunhat & sun cream on warm days.
Spare underwear socks/tights etc.
Snack/lunchbox/snack money in a named purse as appropriate.
Reading bag with school planner inside.
Water bottle.
PE kit – on a Monday after a holiday or after it’s been sent home.
A smile!

12. Funky Fingers and Dough Disco!
Helps with fine and gross motor development.
Lots of fun!
Active learning.
Meeting each child’s need.

13. Reading
Your child will initially bring home a book that you will share together. This can be changed as often as you like. This will continue throughout the year.
When we feel your child is ready they will start our Read, Write Inc. programme.
As they progress through the programme; sounds, then ditties, then tricky words and finally reading books will begin to come home. Please support your child by finding a little time to help them practice what they bring home.
Please try not to compare your child everyone learns at their own rate!

14. Home time
Please collect your child at 3.15pm. They will be released to you when we can see the person we are expecting to collect them.
It is very important you inform us of any changes.
Don’t worry if your child doesn’t tell you about their day. They will probably be very tired, very hungry and very unwilling to talk to you about what they have done. This is quite normal!

15. Communication! You will receive a Reception class weekly newsletter.
The school website is regularly updated.
We will send additional notes or put a board outside.
If it’s a quick word you need can do that before or after school. If it’s longer you’ll need to make an appointment to see one of us or ring and we can speak to you over the phone if you can’t get in.

16. Parents as Partners – Sharing in the assessment process
Parents as Partners – Sharing in the assessment process. You know your child better than anyone!
Wow! Moment
Please share anything that your child has done that you are proud of:
Date:
Signed:
Please send this back to school to go into your child’s learning record.

17. Coming in to school You could be a mystery reader!
You are very welcome to come in and help. We always have sticking to be done! Coming in and playing a game with a group can also be fun!
We have events through the year that you can attend: Harvest, Christmas and Easter events and our special class sharing assembly.
You are also very welcome to come and talk to the children sharing skills, interests and experiences.

18. INDEPENDENCE! Preparing for school!
Independent dressing, feeding, toileting!
Involve your child in choosing things they need for school like PE bags, lunch boxes or uniforms.
Playing games that involve taking turns or speaking in front of a group.
Playing with children of a similar age to develop social skills.
Reading books about starting school.
Using your child's favourite toys to role-play going to school.
Painting and drawing, which involve sitting down for short periods of time.
I can do it myself!

21. Please feel free to look round your child’s classroom.