As we come to the end of the first term, it’s a great time to reflect on what the children in their first ‘official’ school year have achieved. The structure of our Reception class provides a truly exceptional beginning to school life, through the perfect blend of academic challenge, rich pastoral care, and character building experiences.
A Strong Start in Reading
Our Reception children have developed a love for reading and have made rapid progress. The children read three times a week on a one-to-one basis to Mr Bullock or Mrs Henderson which ensures they receive tailored support. Alongside this, pupils take part in engaging group reading sessions as part of the Monster Phonics programme, where stories are shared, discussed, and explored together.
Daily Phonics
All the children have made great progress in Phonics. An assessment was conducted in September, this was used to identify the children who need extra support, whilst also identifying those who are ready to be challenged and pushed ahead.
Regardless of a child’s starting point, they have all made great progress due to Phonics being taught every day, using the vibrant Monster Phonics scheme, which the children relate to and find fun.
Early Writing Skills
Every few weeks, Reception pupils take great pride in completing a new writing piece for our Writing Wall. Recently, the children produced a dinosaur themed piece, creating their own sentences and using a word mat to help spell the tricky dinosaur names.
Throughout their writing, children are developing:
- Pencil control and arm strength
- Secure letter formation
- Concentration and listening skills
- Confidence in sounding out and constructing words
The Skills They’ve Gained Since September
The progress the children have made, academically, socially, and personally, is extraordinary. Since joining us in September, Reception pupils can now:
Academic Growth
- Read and comprehend more sounds, words, and tricky sentences
- Write independently with clear, correct letter formation
- Follow multi-step instructions
- Think critically, ask questions, and be inquisitive
Social & Personal Development
- Form strong, meaningful friendships
- Listen to and respect others’ opinions
- Make thoughtful, kind choices
- Show empathy and care for people
Independence & Life Skills
- Dress themselves more confidently
- Put coats on and shoes on the right feet
- Demonstrate improved fine motor skills
- Show resilience, problem-solving abilities, and self-management
We are super proud of our Reception children. We are confident that they will continue to love their school days at Forest, where they are being stretched to keep their focus and ‘passion’ but also supported so they are never disheartened and have an ‘I can do it’ attitude.
