Welcome to Acre Hall Primary School Reception Parents’ Meeting 29th June 2016

=Learning and Development Foundation Stage What is the Foundation Stage? The Foundation Stage is the stage of education for children from three to the end of the Reception year. The Foundation Stage Curriculum is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning. A unique child + Positive relationships + Enabling Environments =Learning and Development

The importance of a play based learning Curriculum “One way children make knowledge of their own is through play. Children are at the height of their powers when playing”( Scott 2008) In play a child develops physically, intellectually and emotionally. Play develops key communication and social skills such as negotiating, discussing plans and sharing resources. “Education is not the filling of a pail; but the lighting of a fire”-William Butler-Yeats. Characteristics of effective learning.

Examples of using high order thinking skills to practise and apply learning in a play based environment.

The Development Matters Curriculum is organised into the seven areas of learning listed below: Prime Areas. Personal, social and emotional development Physical Development, Communication and language. Specific Areas. Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World, Expressive Arts and Design.

The characteristics of Effective Learning and Prime and Specific Areas of Learning and Development are all interconnected.

Progression from Nursery to Reception Nursery The focus of Nursery is to develop Children’s ‘Prime Areas’ of development, enabling them to become socially aware and able to play and learn alongside others. Children become familiar with the rules and daily routines of school life and their continuous provision learning environment. The learning environment is set up to be open ended, developing children’s characteristics for effective learning by building their independence to learn and explore and adults support this development through language. We also focus on getting children ready for Reading and Writing through fine and gross motor activities and opportunities to develop language and communication. Reception Children access continuous provision learning areas to develop their knowledge and understanding in each of the prime and specific areas and they continue to build on their characteristics of learning through the same observe-assess-plan cycle. However, there is more focus on guided group and teacher led learning to develop children’s basic skills, for example learning how to read and write. Enhancements in areas are often linked to children’s understanding and development in Literacy and Numeracy. During the summer term we actively encourage children to be using their critical thinking skills to practise and apply what they have learnt to their play.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development The children will learn to: be self-confident; take an interest in things; know what their own needs are yet take turns and learn to cooperate. tell the difference between right and wrong; be able to dress and undress.

Physical Development The children will learn to: move confidently in a range of ways. control their body. handle equipment such as scissors and mark making tools. Develop their self care skills such as accessing the toilet independently and dressing themselves.

Communication, and Language The children will learn to: talk confidently and clearly; enjoy listening to stories, songs and poems; Respond to simple instructions and to others with relevant questions and comments. Answer how and why questions during discussions. Introduce story lines and narratives into their play, using story language “first”, “next”, “after”.

Literacy The children will learn to To continue a rhyming string. To segment the sounds in simple words and then blend them together. Knowing which letter represent which sound in Phase 2 and then Phase 3 phonics. Begin to read words and simple sentences. To write their own name and attempt to write short sentence. To form letters in the correct way- orientation, size. ELG: To write simple sentences that can be read by themselves and others. To spell some words correctly and make phonetically plausible attempts at other words.

Examples of writing and writing progression

Mathematical Development The children will learn To read, order and count numbers to 20. To add and subtract single digit numbers. To use language of shape, measure and time. To solve problems involving shape, space and measure and patterns. To solve problems involving doubling and halving.

Understanding of the World The children will: explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it; build with different materials, know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for; find out about past events in their lives and their families' lives; find out about different cultures and beliefs.

Expressive Arts and Design The children will explore Choosing colours for a purpose making things; considering purpose and techniques to join, shape and assembly materials. Learning techniques such as blending, and applying these to their own work. making music, dance and DT and using Technology to represent their own ideas. Learning to talk about their work and others and suggest improvements.

Monitoring Progress e.g. Making Relationships Every child has their own ‘Learning Journey’ electronically. Teaching staff observe your child during their independent self initiated play and guided learning, making written, photographic and electronic observations of each child’s achievements. Parents will have access to view and add to these observations. The observations are then assessed against the Early Years Foundation Stage developmental stages. e.g. Making Relationships ‘Can play in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, e.g. building up a role-play activity with other children,’

Communication Between Home & School Half Termly Learning Planners. These will explain our current topic and will guide parents in how you can help your child learn at home. Busy Bee moments; a chance for you to share learning from home. Children will be heard read in school twice a week and their reading books will be changed on those days. Please sign your child’s reading record when you have heard them read. We really recommend little and often, just a few minutes a day to help your child practise and apply their reading skills. Homework for the summer ‘All about me’ books

We will find out what the children already know and can do The first few weeks We will find out what the children already know and can do We will use this information to help us develop an individual learning programme for each child. We would value any contributions you would like to make in helping us get to know your child’s needs. We will be sending out a ‘questionnaire’ at the end of the first half term for you to comment on your child’s progress and adjustment to Reception.

September Induction We offer a phased start for children because we believe that it is vitally important to settle your child in so that they have sufficiently high levels of well being and involvement in order to start learning effectively. High levels of Well-being: the child is full of energy, happy, smiling, relaxed and expresses self-confidence and assurance. High levels of Involvement: When children are focused, interested, motivated, enjoying the satisfaction of exploration and mentally active. Induction arrangements – please see pack.

Welcome Pack Useful Information and daily routines General Information e.g., termly dates including holidays and information about Uniform. Contact and Permission Forms