Children may join the Reception group in our Infants class the term after their fourth birthday and we offer flexibility in when the start date is - so that children can join mid-year, depending on their 'readiness' for school. Our small school is the ideal starting point for young children to begin their school life. Teachers gather information from parents and previous childcare settings to ensure a personalised transition, making sure children feel valued and welcomed from their very first day. Our compact site, lovely outdoor area and secluded garden means that the children are confident and secure in their surroundings. They move happily around the building and play areas. At lunchtime, Reception children have lunch with the whole school with support from older Juniors as lunch time table leaders and friendship buddies during shared playtimes.

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In Reception, the children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Learning experiences are planned based on the children's interests and developmental stage. Our classrooms and outdoor areas are resourced with continuous provision, which the children access independently throughout the day. These areas are regularly enhanced in response to curriculum themes and children's interests. The curriculum is divided into seven key areas which cover all aspects of the child's development: Personal Social Emotional Development, Physical Development, Communication & Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World, and Expressive Arts & Design. Children's development is monitored continuously and supported through adult led learning activities. Families are informally updated daily with information about children's progress and development and are invited to share learning experiences happening at home. Families also receive a weekly email newsletter with details of children's learning activities and experiences.

Children take part in short daily Phonics, Literacy and Maths teaching inputs followed by supported learning activities and opportunities to explore their learning through play in the classroom and outdoor areas. Twice a week the children take part in PE sessions at the nearby hall along to develop balance, movement and ball skills. In the afternoons, teaching follows seasonal learning themes and children's interests through a range of cross-curricular activities and play-based learning.