Reception

Welcome to Reception

Starting school is a big step, and we’re here to make sure it’s a positive and exciting one. In Reception, which consists of Ladybirds and Grasshoppers, we provide a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and ready to explore the world around them.

We focus on helping children build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to be fully prepared for Year 1 and beyond. Through a mix of adult-led activities and child-initiated play, children are encouraged to follow their interests, ask questions, and become enthusiastic learners.

We’re proud of our vibrant Reception community and look forward to working in partnership with families throughout the year.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to give children the best possible start to their education. We offer a balance of structured learning and learning through play, creating a rich variety of experiences that support development across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). From early reading and number skills to creativity, communication, and physical development – every day is full of opportunities to learn, discover, and grow.

Children in Reception learn to read and write via our Read, Write, Inc. programme, as well as in adult-led activities, interwoven throughout their continuous provision. We have seen brilliant results using Read Write Inc. and are proud to be using the scheme.

Children are taught daily maths adult-led sessions, which children are encouraged to explore in their own play. At Eden Park, we deliver maths using a ‘mastery’ approach. More information can be found in our guide for parents.

Enriching Reception

At Eden Park, we enrich children's learning by providing a wide range of engaging and meaningful experiences that extend beyond the classroom. These include immersive role-play and real-world visits, such as exploring our well-stocked Library, touring a local fire station, and learning about healthcare at a hospital. Children have the opportunity to interview a police officer, fostering curiosity and community connections, as well as enjoy educational trips like a day at the beach and a live theatre performance.

Seasonal and cultural events such as the Nativity, a visit to the church, and a traditional afternoon tea party help build social awareness and celebration of traditions. Experiences like visiting a post office to deliver letters to Santa or participating in themed role-play activities support language development, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Each of these carefully planned experiences is designed to spark imagination, inspire learning, and nurture well-rounded development.