Starting in Reception
Welcome to Reception at Enfield Heights Academy
We are delighted that you have chosen our school for your child.
Children develop more rapidly during the first five years of their lives than at any other time.
As a child starts interacting with others, forms friendships, participates in teamwork-based activities, and performs tasks, they develop a sense of personality.
This is such an important time for your child which is why our wonderful team of teachers will do everything they can to support your child. Working closely with you is important too so please ask us any questions you like so we can form a strong partnership.
Information for parents 2021-22
Please find information regarding the induction we have put together for families this year here.
You can also find out more about what to expect during the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here.
Our team at the school
Head Teacher: Mrs Jade-Simone Bacon
Class size
There is one Reception class in our school which is called class RB. There are 30 children in the class altogether.
Attendance and Punctuality
Please note that outstanding (98%+) attendance and punctuality is vital to your child making good progress. It is, therefore, a parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child comes to school every day: brought to school and collected from school on time.
Your child will initially attend Reception from Monday 15th September for the morning session only and will become full-time when they are settled into school.
Morning session: 8:45 – 11:15
Full-time session: 8:45 – 15:15
The following criteria will be used to help us decide when your child is ready to attend Reception full-time:
- Copes well with being in school and is happy to leave their carer
- Is able to mix well with other children and join in their play
- Is able to cooperate with children and staff
- Shows an interest and participates in activities
- Is reasonably independent, for example: puts on their coat without help, goes to the toilet alone, chooses an activity independently, understands and copes with the routine of the day
- Is able to cope with being in a large group of children, for example: sitting on the carpet whilst listening to a story
- Is able to understand and follow simple instructions
- Responds well to new situations, for example: is be able to work in different environments such as the hall for P.E.
Early Years Curriculum
Activities in Reception are carefully planned.
They are organised in order to provide a range of learning experiences.
Individual records (known as 'learning journeys') are kept by the staff to record the activities that your child participates in and undertakes, as well as their progress in specific skills.
Planning is carried out using a topic-based approach, following the children’s interests and responding to their specific needs.
There are 7 areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
These are activities are planned around:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Physical Development - Communication and Language -Literacy - Mathematics - Understanding the World - Expressive Arts and Design
Throughout the EYFS, the children will be working towards the Early Learning Goals. These describe the level of attainment expected at the end of your child’s Reception year in school.
Lunchtime
Lunchtime: 11:30 – 12:30
Your child is entitled to a free school meal. If your child has special dietary requirements or allergies please alert the office as soon as possible.
If you would prefer for your child to have a packed lunch it could include: a sandwich or wrap, water or juice and fruit.
Please avoid: fizzy drinks, chocolates and sweets.
Learning Journeys
Throughout the year, the staff in Reception will record your child’s learning and development in a folder called a ‘learning journey’. This will form a unique record of your child’s learning and development.
It will contain samples of work, photographs and observations. These folders enable the staff to track your child’s progress, attainment and plan future activities.
Stay and Play Sessions and School Visits
Starting school is a very exciting time of your child’s life but can be a little overwhelming, especially for the children who are new to the school. So to make the transition easier, the staff in Reception will meet with you and your child beforehand during our stay and play sessions and school visits.
Stay and play sessions and school visits will begin from Monday 7th September. You would have received your appointment date and time in the post.
During the stay and play session your child will have the opportunity to meet the Reception staff and spend time exploring their classroom environment with their peers.
During your parent consultation the class teacher will take the time to talk to you about your child and you will also have the opportunity to raise any questions or queries that you may have.
Home and School Partnership
We understand and value the support you provide for your child at home. Once the children are settled in Reception we would like to invite you into school so that you can see what your child is learning.
Also we would like to hear about what you and your child have been doing at home. At Enfield Heights Academy we encourage parents to share their child’s learning, achievements and experiences, as this helps us to build a more complete picture of the children.
Homework
Your child will receive a homework task each week, including a reading book for you to share at home together. It is very important that your child completes their homework on time, as it will help them towards developing aspects of their learning.
We aim to ensure that your child’s experience at Enfield Height Academy is a happy and rewarding one. We look forward to working with both you and your child.