Reception Classes
Building from the learning in our nurseries our Reception classes ensure children build the secure foundations needed to support their future progress and readiness for Key Stage 1.
Where little beginnings grow into big futures
Ladybirds & Grasshoppers
We have two Reception classes at Eden Park: Ladybirds and Grasshoppers.
Although children have their own classroom, teacher and familiar adults, the two classes work closely together throughout the year. We plan collaboratively, share expertise, resources and ideas, and ensure that children experience a consistent, ambitious and equally rich curriculum, whatever their class.
Our Reception team knows that children do not all learn in the same way or at the same pace. We therefore work together to ensure that every child receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to flourish. Our wider EYFS is also closely connected to our Nursery provision, creating continuity from the very beginning of a child's Eden Park journey.
We want every child to reach their full potential. We achieve this through:
A progressive, carefully sequenced curriculum
A love of reading and systematic phonics teaching
Strong foundations in mathematic
Exceptional language and communication opportunities Warm, responsive and highly skilled adult interactions
Enriching experiences that build cultural capital
Purposeful indoor and outdoor provision
Strong relationships and emotional wellbeing
A clear focus on independence and school readiness.
Inclusive practice where every child belongs
OUR CURRICULUM
At Eden Park, children in Reception learn to read through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme, with systematic teaching carefully matched to their developing knowledge. Children are grouped according to their phonics understanding, with progress regularly assessed to inform teaching.
Alongside phonics, we nurture language comprehension and a lifelong love of books through daily stories, rich texts, vocabulary development and opportunities to take books home. Our aim is to develop confident, successful readers who choose to read for pleasure.
Mathematics is taught through NCETM’s Mastering Number programme, with daily teaching followed by practical opportunities to apply and explore learning. We focus on developing number sense, subitising, counting, composition, comparison, patterns, mathematical language and reasoning. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, recognise relationships and develop confidence in having a go, building strong foundations for future mathematical learning.
Because vocabulary opens doors, we deliberately create a language-rich environment where children are encouraged to talk, listen, explain, question, imagine and communicate. Our carefully chosen core texts expose children to rich vocabulary, diverse experiences and ideas beyond their immediate world. In Reception, children experience Big Talk and Drawing Club, providing joyful opportunities to develop vocabulary, imagination, oracy and early writing.
Adults consciously introduce new vocabulary throughout the day and encourage children to use it in different contexts. We want children to leave Reception not simply knowing more words, but confidently using them.
Highly skilled adults make the difference
Our children deserve specialist early years teaching. We place a very high value on the expertise of our Early Years team. Reception is led by experienced practitioners who understand how young children learn, develop and communicate. Our EYFS leadership is led by our Early Years Lead and Assistant Headteacher, alongside experienced Reception staff.
Our staff continually develop their practice through professional learning, coaching, collaboration and evidence-informed approaches.
We particularly focus on high-quality adult interactions, drawing on the EEF's ShREC approach to help adults:
Share attention → Respond → Expand → Conversation
This means that learning does not only happen during an adult-led activity. It happens when a child discovers something in the garden. When an adult joins their play. When a teacher notices a child's fascination with dinosaurs and introduces the word prehistoric. When a child asks, "I wonder why?" and an adult takes the time to explore the question with them.
Our staff are there to notice, respond, model, question, extend and inspire.
Our world is bigger than our classroom
We want children to develop a genuine curiosity about their community, their country and the wider world. Our Understanding the World curriculum takes children beyond the classroom through visits, visitors and meaningful experiences. Children have opportunities to explore places such as:
Local beaches
The Fire Station
Brixham Library
St Mary's Church
The Post Office
We also welcome visitors including members of the Police, Ambulance Service and dental professionals. But our commitment to diversity goes further. Children encounter different cultures, religions, traditions, families, celebrations, music, food, clothing, stories and ways of life. We use carefully selected books and resources to help children recognise both similarities and differences between people and communities. Children experience different cultural festivals, musical genres, dances, foods and clothing. EYFS Curriculum- Updated We want every child to see themselves reflected in our curriculum while also learning about people and experiences beyond their own lives.
