Welcome to Reception at Monkspath School

At Monkspath School, our Reception Year offers a warm, nurturing, and inspiring start to your child’s learning journey. Rooted in the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and guided by Ofsted’s expectations for high-quality early years provision, our experienced and passionate team ensures every child thrives in a safe, stimulating, and well-resourced environment.

A Rich and Exciting Learning Environment

Our Reception classroom and outdoor areas are spacious, vibrant, and thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Children have access to a wide range of high-quality resources that support all areas of development, from imaginative role play and construction to sensory exploration and early writing.

We are proud of our woodland area, where children can build dens, discover mini beasts, and explore the natural world—encouraging communication, teamwork, and a sense of wonder.

Learning Through Play

We believe that play is the foundation of learning in the early years. Our curriculum is carefully planned around the EYFS areas of learning, with a strong focus on:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building friendships, confidence, and independence.
• Communication and Language – encouraging children to ask questions, express ideas, and develop a rich vocabulary.
• Physical Development – through outdoor play, fine motor activities, and movement sessions.
• Literacy and Phonics – using a structured phonics programme to develop early reading and writing skills.
• Mathematics – exploring numbers, patterns, and problem-solving in fun, practical ways.
• Understanding the World – fostering curiosity about the world through hands-on experiences and themed topics.
• Expressive Arts and Design – nurturing imagination through music, dance, role play, and creative arts.

A Curriculum That Follows Children's Interests

Our topics are inspired by the children’s own interests, ensuring learning is meaningful and engaging. Whether it’s past and present, growth and change, or traditional tales, we use these themes to weave in key learning objectives across the curriculum.

Highlights of the year include:

• Annual visit to All Things Wild.
• Sports Day, where children celebrate their physical achievements.
• Christmas Nativity, giving every child the chance to perform and shine.
• Regular sessions in our woodland area.

Weekly Newsletters

To keep families informed and involved, we send out weekly newsletters that share:

• What the children have been learning and exploring.
• Upcoming events and key dates.
• Tips for supporting learning at home.
• Celebrations of children's achievements and special moments.
• Details of upcoming learning to enable families to introduce ideas, concepts, or vocabulary before being introduced in school.

These newsletters help strengthen the home-school partnership and ensure parents feel connected to their child’s learning journey.

Parents' Evenings

We value strong communication with families and offer two formal Parents’ Evenings each year—in October and February. These meetings provide an opportunity to:

• Discuss your child’s progress and development.
• Share next steps in learning.
• Celebrate achievements and milestones.
• Ask questions and strengthen the home-school partnership.

Parents are also offered an additional 1:1 meeting before your child starts school, providing an opportunity to meet the team and share important information regarding your child with setting.

Targeted Support and Inclusive Practice

Every child is unique, and we provide targeted support to ensure all learners make excellent progress. Our experienced staff use ongoing assessment to tailor learning opportunities and provide additional support where needed, including for speech and language, early writing, and number skills.

Homework in Reception

We understand that Reception is a time for exploration and enjoyment, so our approach to homework is flexible, supportive, and age-appropriate:

Reading (Daily – 10 minutes)

• Bug Club Book: A physical reading book is sent home weekly.
• Online Bug Club: Optional access to 5 phonics-linked books and activities.
• Own Choice Book: A book from our classroom library to enjoy together at home.
• Reading Diaries: Parents are encouraged to log reading their child's reading diary.

Phonics (Weekly – 10 minutes)

Activities may include:

• Phoneme and letter cards
• Phonics worksheets
• High frequency/tricky words to practise

Maths and Basic Skills (From Summer Term)

• Practical activities such as number recognition, counting, and early problem-solving.

Occasional Homework

• Cross-curricular tasks linked to current topics or special events.
• Transition Homework is provided in the Summer Term to support the move into Year 1.

We aim to make homework enjoyable and manageable, supporting children’s learning while respecting family time.

Parent Partnership

At Monkspath, we believe that a strong partnership between school and home is key to every child’s success—especially in the Early Years. In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, we recognise parents and carers as a child’s first and most important educators.

We work closely with families to ensure every child feels supported, understood, and valued. Through open communication, shared learning experiences, and a welcoming environment, we build trusting relationships that help children thrive.

Together, we create a consistent and nurturing foundation for each child’s development and learning journey.

How We Work in Partnership with Parents:

We offer a range of opportunities for parents and carers to get involved, including:

• Induction Events – to help you and your child settle into school life
• Curriculum Sessions – to give insight into what and how your child is learning
• Bespoke Workshops – on key areas such as phonics, reading, and writing
• Open Afternoons – a chance to visit the classroom and celebrate your child’s progress

A Strong Start for Lifelong Learning

Reception at Monkspath School is more than just a starting point—it’s the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. We work closely with families to build strong partnerships and ensure every child feels happy, safe, and valued.

Further information for parents, including some useful guidance about how to help children prepare for their start to school before they start in Reception can be read below.School Readiness

What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: guide for parents