Reception

Welcome to Reception

Where little beginnings grow into big futures

Reception is an exciting milestone in your child’s journey at Eden Park. Our priority is to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging, develops trusting relationships and grows in confidence as they settle into school life.

Our two classes, Ladybirds and Grasshoppers, work closely together as one Reception team, sharing a commitment to knowing every child and helping them reach their full potential. We recognise that every child arrives with different experiences, interests and starting points, and we celebrate the individuality they bring to our school community.

We understand that starting school is a big step for children and families. Our transition process helps children feel familiar with their new surroundings and the adults who will support them, building positive relationships from the very beginning.

Throughout Reception, we nurture children's wellbeing, friendships, independence and resilience, helping them learn to work together, express their feelings and approach new challenges with growing confidence. We value strong partnerships with families and believe that working together gives children the best possible start.

Our ambition is for every child to feel they belong, believe in themselves and leave Reception ready to embrace the next chapter of their learning journey.

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Our Curriculum

Our Early Years curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to give every child the strong foundations they need to thrive. From Nursery through to Reception, learning builds progressively, developing the knowledge, vocabulary and skills children need for their next stage. We combine purposeful adult-led teaching with high-quality play and carefully planned provision, ensuring every experience has a clear purpose.

Communication and language are at the heart of our approach. Through high-quality interactions, using the EEF ShREC approach, adults model language, introduce ambitious vocabulary and extend children's thinking. Our environments are thoughtfully designed to help children practise and apply skills, while stories, nursery rhymes, visits and enriching experiences broaden their knowledge and cultural capital.

In Reception, children learn to read through Read Write Inc. Phonics, with teaching carefully matched to their developing knowledge. Early writing is developed through explicit modelling, drawing, mark-making, storytelling and purposeful opportunities to write throughout the provision.

Mathematics is taught through NCETM Mastering Number, building secure number sense and mathematical understanding. Daily teaching is complemented by practical activities that allow children to explore, practise and apply their learning through play.

Everything is carefully considered, planned and modelled to help children succeed. Our ambition is for every child to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning, leaving Reception ready for Year 1 and beyond.

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Enriching Reception

At Eden Park, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We provide carefully planned visits, visitors and first-hand experiences that bring our curriculum to life, broaden children's cultural capital and help them make meaningful connections with the world around them.

Children explore our local community through experiences such as visiting Brixham Library, local beaches, the Post Office, the Fire Station and St Mary's Church. Visitors, including members of the emergency services and other professionals, help children discover different roles within their community and inspire curiosity about the wider world.

We also explore different cultures, religions, celebrations, traditions, music, food and ways of life through stories, discussion and enriching experiences. Seasonal celebrations, creative activities and imaginative role-play give children meaningful opportunities to develop language, creativity, confidence and social understanding.

Every experience is chosen with purpose. Whether children are exploring outdoors, meeting someone new, investigating their surroundings or bringing their learning to life through play, we aim to spark curiosity, develop vocabulary and create lasting foundations for future learning.

Our Reception provision combines an ambitious curriculum with exceptional relationships, purposeful play and enriching experiences, helping every child feel valued, discover their potential and become ready for the next stage of their education.

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Autumn 1 Half Termly Summary