![shutterstock_1466824106-[Converted]](/images/uploads/img-38-2022.webp)
Numberblocks - CBeebies - BBC
Clcik here
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Reception
At Whitkirk, we recognise that every child is unique. We make it our priority for each and every child joining our school to feel welcome, to settle confidently, to make the best possible start, and to thrive as part of our school team. We aim to foster a sense of enquiry and a real thirst for learning new skills and knowledge. Together, we will work to be the best that we can be!
Why Whitkirk?
At Whitkirk, we provide a safe and engaging learning environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a love for learning. With reading at the core of our ambitious curriculum, we use carefully chosen texts and enriching experiences, like Welly Wednesdays, visits to This Green Moon in Swillington and the library, to inspire creativity, imagination and support emotional well-being . Our focus is on helping children become happy, independent, confident learners who understand their role in the community and the wider world.
Curriculum
At Whitkirk, our Early Years curriculum follows the Statutory Framework and Development Matters, fostering an environment where children confidently explore and take risks. We blend adult-led and child-initiated play, emphasising vocabulary and language development through daily interactions, supported by strategies used by the Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) programme developed by ‘ Interactions’. Using the ShREC approach, we focus on sharing attention, responding, expanding ideas, and engaging in meaningful conversations with all children.
Early Reading
To support your child in learning how to read, we follow the Read Write Inc. phonics scheme. Through the implementation of this scheme, our children leave Reception able to read words and sentences. You can find out how you can support your child at home using Read Write Inc by following this link: RWI Parent guide
Can you practise reading the letter sounds with Miss Sanderson?
Can you practise writing the letter sounds with Miss Emery?
Parental Engagement
Parental relationships are at the heart of our learning culture at Whitkirk and the EYFS. Throughout the Reception year, parents engage in all aspects of a child’s development.
From the start of the year, we welcome parents in every Friday for ‘Stay & Play’ sessions, sharing children’s learning and engaging in activities and conversations about children’s development and ways to support children at home.
Strong communication between home and school is key; we use ‘Class Dojo’ to communicate with families. This is a platform to share daily class learning and celebrate the achievements of our learners.
Links to support home learning in the Early Years
To further support our drive to instil a love of reading, each week we host ‘Secret Reader’. In this, a surprise parent or family member joins the children in class to read a story. This is a much-anticipated weekly event which supports in sharing the love for reading throughout the generations!
If you would like to visit our EYFS unit or speak to any member of the team regarding admissions, supporting your child before they start school, or how to support your child whilst they are in Reception, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the main school office
Reading at Home - Oxford Owl for Home
Click here
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
Click here
Our Gallery
