Reception Curriculum

In Acorns class, the Reception aged children follow the foundation stage curriculum. They are encouraged to explore though our indoor and outdoor classrooms and across the three prime areas and four specific areas of learning. This prepares them for the learning journey ahead of them in later years- it is the fundamental building blocks for learning. 

We use the Development Matters and EYFS Framework documents to inform our planning to design excting learning opportunities for the children through play and adult-led activities.

A key part of this learning is in the social and emotional areas of development. It is vital for our children to develop independence and be happy and confident in the school environment in order for them to be ready to learn. We also encourage the children to develop happy, supportive and positive relationships with their peers. We provide a rich, play based curriculum in which the adults facilitate the learning of the pupils through positive interaction.

 

The children learn the fundamental skills of literacy and mathematics that allow them to access the curriculum fully.

Early mathematical knowledge is an essential foundation stone of every child’s educational journey. Following the White Rose Maths scheme the children use lively and colourful early years maths resources to explore mathematics in engaging and inspiring ways. This encourages development of the core maths skills that make up the early years curriculum. 

We employ the Literacy Tree scheme to embed Early Years foundation stage curriculum coverage and to engage children to write with clear audience and purpose. We also ensure the children are provided with many opportunites to explore reading, mark-making and writing when accessing our continuous provision. 

 

The Leuven Scales for Wellbeing and Involvement

At Huxley CE Primary School our curriculum, provision and care practices promote and encourage children’s emotional security and development of their character.

At Huxley, we know that when there are high levels of wellbeing and involvement, a deeper level of learning takes place. We have a ‘rich’ and well-planned environment in which children can explore, feel safe and ‘at home’. The three key words we use throughout the school is that our children should feel safe, secure and understood. We ensure the day is well-structured and geared towards children’s individual needs. It is imperative to us that Huxley is a place where children develop positive relationships with each other and with staff and as a priority have their needs (whether social, emotional or sensory needs) met first in order for them to thrive academically.

The Leuven Scales.

This tool focusses on two central indicators of quality early years provision: children’s ‘wellbeing’ and ‘involvement’.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing focuses on the extent to which children feel at ease, act spontaneously, show vitality and self-confidence. It is a crucial component of emotional intelligence and good mental health.

Involvement

Involvement focuses on the extent to which pupils are operating to their full capabilities. In particular, it refers to whether the child is focussed, engaged and interested in various activities.