A warm welcome to the Reception class at Mill Lane School.
Our classroom is well resourced and has a spacious outside area, play house, mud kitchen, sandpit and large undercover area. Wide folding doors link our classroom with Windmill Nursery and our garden is shared with Year 1, providing many opportunities to join together with other year groups. We are staffed by a dedicated and caring team, including an early years teacher, 3 teaching assistants and music specialist who all have many years’ experience in quality primary education.
Ofsted 2020 Children get off to a secure start in early years. They enjoy well-planned activities such as the ‘tinkering table’, where they investigate machinery or playing together learning hockey or role play. Knowledgeable staff build expertly on what children can do during activities, so that they are well prepared for Year 1.
We recognise that every child is unique and all children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. To develop the children’s interests and needs, we plan an exciting curriculum enriched with Forest School, IT, creative workshops and visits.
Ofsted 2020 ‘Right from the start in early years, staff expertly identify and support these needs.
Our curriculum is the EYFS 7 areas of learning
- 3 Prime areas (for inspiring curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and forming relationships) Communication & language; Physical development; Personal, social & emotional development
- 4 Specific areas (through which prime areas are strengthened and applied) Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding of the world; Expressive arts and design
Children are encouraged to explore, play and learn in all areas. During the morning, small focused groups develop important literacy and numeracy skills.
Ofsted 2020 ‘Pupils get off to a great start in early years because phonics is taught consistently and effectively by well-trained staff. Very quickly, Reception Year children gain the skills and confidence to begin to read sentences. Staff ensure that reading books are carefully matched to their burgeoning skill and confidence.’
Our E.Y. curriculum also focuses on the 3 Characteristics of Effective Learning (playing and exploring; active learning; creating and thinking critically) These characteristics underpin learning and development across all areas and support a child to be an effective and motivated learner.
Observations and Assessment Children are observed during play and in adult-led activities. These ongoing observations and assessments help us to understand each child’s needs and interests and to carefully plan activities to support their next steps. Development and progress is assessed and recorded in Learning Journeys and reading diaries. Observations and any WOW moments from parents and carers are a very welcome contribution.
Your Child’s Progress and Development We strongly value the partnership with our parents and carers. Please see us if you would like to discuss your child’s progress or have any concerns. We offer parent consultations (with evening appointments), twice a year and on transition to Year 1, we provide a summary report of each child's development in the E.Y.F.S.
You are very welcome to visit us at any time. Please contact our School Office 01844 352106 to arrange a visit.
Please follow the link to find out more about our admission arrangements. Admission to Mill Lane School
