Reception

Welcome to Reception

Welcome to our Reception class and the start of your child's school career! We aim to make the transition into Reception as easy as possible - whether your child has been in Nursery, at a childminder, at home or in another setting. We know that attending school full-time, five days a week, is a big step up for many children, and we plan our activities and timetable carefully to allow them to settle in and build up their confidence and stamina.

Children in our Reception class enjoy a generous amount of classroom space and direct access into their own walled garden with a large canopy that allows children to use the outside space even in wet weather. The outside space is well stocked with age-appropriate play apparatus, including construction equipment, bikes and scooters, and a mud kitchen.

Reception class is the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and our teaching focuses on the areas of learning and development outlined in the EYFS - communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.

By the end of the year children in our Reception class will be confident enough to perform to the whole school (and parents) as they present the Reception class Friday Assembly. The Reception children also take the lead roles in the annual Nativity Play, just before Christmas.


Reception children go to Forest School every two weeks for an afternoon of outdoor exploration and fun. where the children explore, make dens, listen to stories and ... most importantly toast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate!

Useful Information

Autumn Term 2022 Start of term: Thursday 1 September · Half term: Monday 17 October - Friday 28 October · End of term: Wednesday 14 December
Spring Term 2023 Start of term: Wednesday 4 January · Half term: Monday 13 - Friday 17 February · End of term: Tuesday 28 March
Summer Term 2023 Start of term: Wednesday 19 April · May Bank Holiday: Monday 1 May · Half term: Monday 29 May - Friday 2 June · End of term: Wednesday 12 July

Daily routine in Reception

  • The school day in Reception begins at 8.30am and finishes at 3.20pm

  • On Fridays we have a Family Assembly in the Sunley Hall to which all parents are invited..

  • Reception do Phonics and Numeracy work every day. They have specialist French and Music teaching once a week, and Sport/PE three times a week. Once every 2 weeks Reception go to Forest School for an afternoon of exploration.

  • We encourage parents to look and share in the children’s work throughout the year. Parent Consultations take place regularly with appointments made through our SchoolsBuddy app, and we are always available for an informal chat by phone (please contact the School Office to arrange this).

We offer wraparound care which must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance:
Breakfast Club 7.30am to 8.30am
Crèche 3.30pm to 4.30pm
SG Extra (incl. packed tea) 4.30pm to 6pm
Information about charges for wraparound care can be found on the school website www.springgroveschool.co.uk

Reception class uniform:
Spring Grove School Uniform list 2020-21 We ask parents to provide a pair of wellingtons, waterproofs and school fleece to leave at school as the children go outside to play (almost) everyday. On PE days the children come to school dressed in PE kit, and on Forest School days they come in Forest School clothes - long-sleeved tops and long trousers to protect arms and legs. They also need waterproof tops and bottoms for rainy days at Forest School.

Morning snack and lunch:
We ask parents to provide children with a healthy snack for morning break - preferably fruit and vegetables but cheese, breadsticks, crackers etc. are perfectly acceptable. We provide water but it is a good idea to supply a named water bottle to keep in school from Monday-Friday. We are a nut-free school so if you do send any food into school please ensure that nuts, or any products containing nuts, are not sent in. All children eat their lunch in the School Hall, with the Reception staff. The lunch menu is on a 3-week rotation and copies of the menu are published in the School Messenger (newsletter).

Reception staff:

Mrs Cracknell: jcracknell@springgroveschool.co.uk

Mrs Wells (TA): mwells@springgroveschool.co.uk


Mrs Cracknell

Mrs Wells (and Jakey!)