Reception

There are two Reception classes in our EYFS led by Miss Manteghi and Mrs Walker.

Our approach to teaching:

At Bursley Academy, we believe our EYFS curriculum should support the development of aspiring, well-rounded, lifelong learners in line with our Academy’s vision and values.

Children in Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). The EYFS Curriculum has seven areas of learning, with them being split into two main areas. Prime and Specific.

Prime Areas

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical development

Specific Areas

Literacy (Reading and Writing)
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Expressive Arts and Design

We aim to provide the highest quality care and education for all our children thereby giving them a strong foundation for their future learning. We create a safe and happy environment with motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable children to become confident and independent. We value the individual child and work alongside parents and others to meet their needs and help every child to reach their full potential.

In Reception, we plan an exciting and challenging curriculum based on observations of children's needs, interests, and stages of development. Children are provided with a range of rich, meaningful first hand experiences in which children explore, think creatively and are active.

A practical, playful approach to learning, based on the needs and interests of our children, is delivered mainly through topic based planning along with a crucial knowledge curriculum. We teach children individually, in small groups, in class bases and in whole cohorts. Through a combination of teacher input and continuous provision opportunities, learning is planned to encourage children to develop their learning independently through exploration and challenge.

The “Characteristics of Effective Learning” are at the heart of the Early Years Curriculum and explore the different ways in which children learn. They highlight the importance of playing and learning, active learning and thinking critically. All the learning experiences we plan for the children allow them to utilise and develop these skills.

Our learning environments, both inside and outside, are stimulating and exciting, and relevant to the needs and age/stage of our children. Natural backing and resources promote a calm atmosphere conducive to learning, whilst easily accessible resources develop children’s ability to access the curriculum independently.

As outlined in the EYFS ‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child's experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances.’

Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between school and home.
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.