Welcome to the Early Years (Beech Class) Page

Your Teacher in Beech Class is Mrs Cockerill

Mrs Cockerill is Supported by Mrs Lowther, Mrs Spencer, Ms Lyddon and Mrs Bosomworth.

Starting Nursery and Reception is a big step in a child's development and for those children starting Reception, this is their first year of being at school full time. One of our aims is for your child to learn and develop, and of course have lots of fun along the way!

In Beech Class we have an exciting approach to ensure the children are engaged and motivated in topic based learning.  We are using the Cornerstones Curriculum to provide an overview for our topics. Please see the long term plan to discover the exciting topics we will be covering this year.

• Beech Class Autumn Term Newsletter 2020 (.pdf)
• Beech Class Long Term Plan September 2020 (.pdf)
• White Rose Maths Curriculum Overview for Reception children
• Nursery Charging Policy 2020(.pdf)
• Nursery Admissions Policy
• Admissions to Reception 2020

The Early Years Foundation Stage
Our curriculum is the Early Years Foundation Stage which was updated in 2017, and we learn in the following areas:

Prime Areas:
•    Personal and Social Development
•    Communication and Language        
•    Physical Development

Specific Areas:
•    Literacy
•    Mathematics
•    Understanding the World
•    Expressive Arts and Design.

In Reception and Nursery, your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through the seven areas of learning and development.

All children in the Foundation stage unit will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum as set out by the DfE. This emphasises the need for children to learn in an active way through play and practical activities, both indoors and out.
 
The Foundation Stage introduces children to many of the skills that they will need throughout their school careers. Children learn to interact with others in a positive, constructive and respectful manner. They develop concentration, co-operation and communication skills whilst becoming creative, confident thinkers.  

Please view a copy of the Foundation Stage Brochure & our EYFS Policy:EYFS Brochure 2020 - 2021 EYFS_Policy_2019-2020

A day in the life
Each day, all children take part in a phonics, reading and writing lesson. In the morning, we take part in play based topic lessons. Topic planning is developed through Cornerstones and the children’s interests, and is taught through stories, adult guided activities, role play and extended play opportunities. Our lessons are often play based, both inside the classroom and in our large outdoor area.  We spend time each day on child-initiated activities as well as in groups, working on adult-led activities. Children also have a mathematics based lesson in the afternoon where we ensure maths is fun and enjoyable by doing lots of practical activities.

In Beech Class, children develop a strong partnership with parents, staff and other children, which may include taking part in whole school activities such as Collective Worship, Messy Church and Sports Afternoon. Reception children are welcomed as part of the school community from the very beginning and have a Year 6 buddy to help them settle in.

Nursery children will attend Beech Class from 8.40am until 11.40am or until 3.10pm.
Please speak to the office regarding the 30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds

After School Club is available from 3.15pm until 5.45pm.  If you would like to know more about booking extra sessions or joining Beech Class, please contact the main office at school.

PE
Please can Nursery children come dressed ready for their PE sessions and Reception children to have their PE clothes in a bag on their peg.

PE will continue to be on a Tuesday morning through-out the year.

Please ensure that your child brings the correct kit, as outlined in the Kirby Hill Primary School Brochure 2020 - 2021 (.pdf)

Snacks
We have fruit and milk daily* for the children to access independently, and have water bottles in the classroom. (*Parents please note that milk is free for your child until their 5th birthday if you complete an application form. After your child's 5th birthday, you can pay a small charge for milk if you wish).

Additional information:

• Reception Children – Reading Books and Learning Packs (.pdf)
• Guidance for parents of children nearing the end of the Reception year (.pdf)
• Online Safety Tips for Parents of Pre-School Children (.pdf)
• Parent Assessment Sheet (.pdf)

Please visit the learning links section of this site for additional resources by subject.