We are a mixed Pre-School and Reception class for children aged 3 to 5 years.

Children should come to school dressed in their Forest School clothing and will remain in these clothes throughout the day.

Parents and carers are invited to join us for a story and help their child choose a library book to take home and enjoy together.

These sessions alternate weekly between Reception and Pre-School families.

Children take part in:

• French
• Music
• PE

Children should come to school wearing their PE kit.

• My family and where I live.
• What makes me unique.
• Similarities and differences between ourselves and others.
• My interests, talents and special qualities.
• If I were a superhero, what my superpower would be.

• Real-life heroes who help us in our community and wider world.
• Different jobs and roles that support society.

Science

• Exploring different materials and their properties.
• Investigating how materials can change, such as water freezing into ice.

Electricity

• Identifying everyday objects that use electricity.
• Learning how to stay safe around electrical equipment.

Earth and Space

• Exploring rockets and their purpose.
• Developing an awareness of space and the world beyond Earth.

Geography

Children will explore changes over time and begin to understand their own personal history.

• Exploring vehicles and how they are used.

Art

Using AccessArt resources, children will:

• Explore identity and relationships.
• Create self-portraits.
• Experiment with colour, shape and pattern.
• Express their ideas creatively.

Music

Children will:

• Learn chants that tell stories.
• Use their speaking voices musically.
• Develop listening and performance skills.

PE

• Explore movement through stories and music.
• Develop coordination and fundamental movement skills.

This topic focuses on understanding the world around us through stories, celebrations and traditions.

• Traditional tales
• Christmas around the world
• St Nicholas traditions
• Celebrations and special occasions
• What makes people special?
• What is Christmas?
• How do people celebrate?
• What can we learn from stories?
• What makes places special?

• Different family traditions and celebrations.
• Foods associated with celebrations around the world.
• Light and sound.
• The five senses.

Children will compare past and present Christmas traditions.

Children will:

• Explore a range of materials and techniques.
• Create artwork based on stories, celebrations and emotions.
• Develop confidence in expressing ideas and feelings creatively.

Children will design and create their own hats using a variety of materials.

Children will:

• Create artwork using different materials.
• Explore emotions through drawing and painting.
• Develop artistic techniques and imagination.

• Creative Moves

Children will:

• Learn and perform songs.
• Develop rhythm and musical awareness.
• Explore movement through music.

Children will take part in the Christmas Nativity alongside Key Stage 1.

This topic develops children's understanding of animals, habitats and movement through science and exploration.

• Woodland creatures
• Minibeasts
• Jungle animals
• Animals around the world
• Habitats
• How our bodies move

• Identifying different types of animals.
• Understanding how animals live and survive.

• Exploring pushes, pulls and movement through practical activities.

Children will:

• Explore how their bodies move.
• Develop balance, coordination and control.
• Understand what happens to their bodies when they are active.

Children will investigate famous bridges and how structures have developed throughout history.

Children will:

• Design and build bridges.
• Explore strength and stability through construction activities.

• Charanga Units Lilting lullaby

• Dance
• Manipulation and coordination skills

Children will participate in a school multi-skills festival to develop confidence and physical skills.

This topic focuses on growth, nature, environmental awareness and preparing for transition into the next stage of learning.

• Growing and planting
• Minibeasts
• Farms
• Scientific exploration
• Recycling and being Eco-Warriors

Children will explore:

• Seasonal flowers such as Bluebells, Daffodils and Snowdrops
• Heart of England woodland environments and British woodlands and wildlife

Children will explore:

• Which places are special and why.
• Healthy Me topics including:
• Healthy eating
• Mental wellbeing
• Looking after ourselves
• Bullying awareness
• Caring for our environment

• Understanding habitats and the animals that live within them.
• Exploring local wildlife.

• Identifying plants and their parts.
• Understanding what plants need to grow.

Children will explore similarities and differences between healthcare in the past and present.

Children will:

• Explore fruits and healthy eating.
• Design and create simple food products.

Using AccessArt resources, children will:

• Explore the natural world through art.
• Create nature-inspired artwork.
• Experiment with colour and texture.
• Produce minibeast art and natural tie-dye creations.

Children will explore counting, rhythm and musical patterns through songs and activities.

• Cooperation and problem-solving
• Speed and agility
• Teamwork
• Multi-skills activities

Reception children receive reading books that match their Read Write Inc. phonics stage.

Books are changed once your child has:

• Read the book at least three times.
• Demonstrated confidence and fluency with the text.

Each child will receive:

• A phonics reading book
• A class reader to share at home

We encourage daily reading to help develop confidence, fluency and a love of books.

Please ensure reading books are brought to school every day so staff can listen to your child read and change books when appropriate.

Reception children will receive activities in their learning folders to support learning at home.

These activities reinforce the phonics, literacy and mathematics skills taught in school.

Throughout the year, we will also offer:

• A Phonics and Reading Workshop
• An Early Maths Workshop

These sessions provide parents and carers with practical strategies to support learning at home.

Parents and carers are encouraged to:

• View and comment on posts.
• Share achievements and "wow moments" from home.
• Celebrate children's successes alongside us.