Reception
Reception - Welcome to Our Lady of the Rosary Reception!
Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we are delighted to welcome our Reception children as they begin this important stage of their learning journey. We believe that every child is unique, full of God-given potential, and capable of flourishing in a nurturing and purposeful environment. Our Reception team works carefully to ensure that children feel secure, valued, and ready to embrace new experiences as they grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Our Learning Environment
Our Reception classroom is a calm, motivating, and thoughtfully organised space where children feel confident to explore, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. Invitations to read, write, build, create, and investigate are available throughout the day, with resources arranged to promote independence and sustained engagement.
The outdoor area enriches learning further by offering space to be imaginative, active, and collaborative. Whether developing physical confidence, engaging in role play, or exploring natural materials, children benefit from a well-planned environment that supports a wide range of purposeful learning experiences.
Across both spaces, adults use high-quality interactions to extend language, model problem-solving, and support children to develop confidence as learners.
How We Support Learning
Our bespoke sequenced curriculum is carefully designed to build children’s understanding step by step, ensuring that they revisit, consolidate, and deepen their learning across the year. Each area of learning has clear progression so that children can move forward with confidence.
Teaching in Reception includes:
- Little Wandle Phonics, taught daily to develop secure early reading and blending skills through consistent, high-quality practice.
- Drawing Club, which nurtures imagination, vocabulary, and early writing through joyful, story-led experiences.
- White Rose Maths, providing hands-on, structured opportunities to explore number, shape, pattern, and problem-solving.
These approaches are complemented by high-quality play, small-group teaching, and meaningful adult guidance to ensure that every child can make strong progress.
Learning Through Play
Play is a central part of our Reception curriculum and an essential way for children to explore ideas, practise new skills, and develop independence. Through play, children make connections, collaborate with peers, and express themselves creatively. Staff observe closely, offering gentle guidance, modelling new language, and asking questions that deepen thinking and extend learning. Our continuous provision is enhanced regularly to link with class themes, stories, and curriculum sequences, ensuring rich and purposeful learning experiences.
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
In Reception, children experience significant growth in independence, confidence, and emotional understanding. Staff support children to manage new routines, develop friendships, and respond to challenges with resilience. Through a caring and consistent approach, children learn how to work with others, communicate their needs, and develop a positive sense of self.
Religious Education in Reception
Children take part in weekly RE lessons where they explore Gospel stories, learn key ideas of our faith, and become familiar with the liturgical seasons of the Church. They are encouraged to recognise God’s love in their lives, use early religious language, and take part in prayer and reflection. These experiences help deepen their developing sense of faith and belonging.
Assessment Through OP&L
Reception uses OP&L (Observation of Play and Learning) as a meaningful way to understand each child’s development. Staff observe children closely as they play and learn, using OP&L’s six-monthly developmental milestones to identify emerging skills and consider appropriate next steps. This approach helps us build an accurate, individual picture of each child and plan provision that supports their continued progress.
Spotlight Meetings
Each child will have two Spotlight assessments during the year. After each assessment, parents/carers are invited to a Spotlight meeting where staff share key insights, celebrate progress, and discuss next steps for learning. These conversations are individual to each child and help ensure a shared understanding of their development and needs.
Partnership With Parents and Carers
We greatly value strong partnerships with families. We communicate regularly, share learning through Tapestry, and offer opportunities for parents/carers to visit the classroom and take part in events during the year. Working closely together ensures that every child feels supported, confident, and ready to learn.
A Place to Grow
Reception is a year filled with curiosity, achievement, and joy. Our aim is for every child to leave Reception with a love of learning, secure foundations, and the confidence to take their next steps. We celebrate each child’s progress and support their development academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Little Wandle - Resources for parentsRecommended Reads for Reception
Reception Induction Evening Powerpoint
Our Autumn Curriculum Newsletter
_