Reception Class (4-5)

“Our child is so happy at Solefield. When we ask him what his favourite bit of the day was, the usual answer is ‘Everything!’” Parent

The Reception class is an exciting place at Solefield School. Pupils are actively engaged in enthusiastic learning and make excellent progress during the year in all aspects of their development. They achieve well above the national average in numeracy and literacy by the end of their first year.

We have a small class with a full-time teacher and teaching assistant. We believe it is very important to nurture a close working relationship between the staff, parents and children as they settle into Solefield School and embark upon their wonderful learning journey here. We take pride in knowing our individual pupils well.

The Reception class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. A large emphasis is placed on the development of early reading, writing and number skills in our Reception curriculum. The phonics programme (Read Write Inc.) takes up a considerable part of our Literacy, focusing on systematic, synthetic phonics to teach reading and writing alongside each other and the wider Literacy curriculum. In Mathematics we provide a wide range of experiences that help build, and embed strong foundations. The development of language and mathematical understanding complement the development of problem-solving skills at this young age.

As part of our commitment to nurture rounded young individuals and instil them with confidence, all pupils learn an instrument and are encouraged to take part in musical concerts as well as participate in school plays.

In addition to classroom-based activities, the children enjoy specialist teaching for Music, ICT, French, Art, PE  and Swimming. Good use is made of outdoor learning spaces within the school, and trips outside the school, to stimulate the children's imagination and to extend their educational experience.

All Reception children attend for the whole day from 8:15am - 3:30pm, following a ‘settling in' period of mornings for the few days. Our Reception parent information booklet gives you some of the daily information that you need as your child starts in Reception.

Their learning adventure is mapped out for parents in ‘Tapestry’ which enables you to have a photographic record of the year and is shared with parents with their full school reports. There are also regular editions of our newsletter ‘The Little Acorn' which keeps parents informed and up-to-date.

We welcome families to visit us at our open morning or weekly tours; click to register your interest. We also offer private tours to meet with the Headmistress at a convenient time. Please contact us on 01732 452 142, email [email protected] or book for a visit here