We are delighted to welcome you to the beginning of an exciting journey. We are committed to providing the very best experiences and opportunities for every child, whatever their starting point. Our aim is to nurture happy, confident and resilient children who develop strong communication skills, a love of learning and a genuine curiosity about the world around them. We place children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, creating a safe, caring and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. Together, we build the skills, confidence and independence children need to enjoy and succeed throughout their educational journey, becoming ready and excited for Year 1 and beyond.
Mrs Chantal Churchill
Ash Class Teacher & EYFS Lead
I believe that memorable real-life experiences, fun and play should be at the heart of Early Years learning. Over the past eight years as EYFS Lead, I have been proud to lead the successful amalgamation of our Preschool and Reception provision, developing a consistent approach and smooth transition across the Early Years. I also enjoy working collaboratively across our Trust, supporting other settings to strengthen their EYFS pedagogy and sharing our passion for giving every child the best possible start.
- chantal.churchill@elburtonprimary.co.uk
Miss Amy Vincent
Aspen Class Teacher and Wild Tribe and Sustainability Lead
I am our Sustainability Lead and have a particular passion for STEM and taking learning outdoors. I love giving children opportunities to explore, investigate and learn through real-life experiences. I pride myself on taking the time to listen carefully to children’s interests and ideas, using these as opportunities to create meaningful ‘teachable moments’. I believe that when children feel listened to, valued and excited about their learning, they develop the confidence and curiosity to thrive.
- amy.vincent@elburtonprimary.co.uk
Ms Nicola Shell
EYFS Practitioner and PPA cover for Ash Class
Mrs Jodie Braddon
EYFS Practitioner
Miss Jackie Palmer
EYFS Practitioner
Miss Ellie Tasker
EYFS Apprentice
Mrs Vicky Gibson
EYFS Pre School Lead Practitionner and PPA Cover for Aspen
Keeping in touch
- Class Dojo is used to share learning experiences, class updates and reminders.
- Important whole school information will be sent via email
- Teachers can be contactd via dojo message, the email address above and also daily on the door rach morning and afternoon
- Please contact the school office regarding absences, appointments or changes to collection arrangements.
What will my child experience when in Reception?
Our Early Years curriculum provides rich, purposeful experiences that inspire children’s curiosity and love of learning. We place communication at the heart of our curriculum, developing children as confident, effective communicators through high-quality interactions, stories and Talk for Writing. Our carefully planned provision is flexible, allowing us to respond to children’s interests and ideas that emerge through play. Through a balance of adult-led learning, purposeful play and exploration, indoors and outdoors, we develop independence, resilience and confidence across all seven areas of learning, giving every child the strong foundations they need for Year 1 and beyond.
Long Term Overview
Your child's first term at School.
The first term in Reception is all about settling in, building relationships and feeling happy and secure at school. Children learn our daily routines and begin to understand expectations, helping them become increasingly independent and confident. We spend time getting to know each child, their interests, personalities, families and experiences, creating strong relationships that support their learning. Developing friendships is an important part of this transition, as children learn to play, share, communicate and work together. Through conversations, stories, play and everyday experiences, children are encouraged to talk about themselves and their lives. Gradually, their confidence grows as they feel a valued and happy member of our Reception family.
Autumn Term Overview
We want children to see that maths is everywhere! We build strong number sense through real-life experiences, practical activities and meaningful conversations. Children are taught key mathematical concepts and then given opportunities to consolidate and apply their learning through play, exploration and the wider world. Whether counting objects, sharing fairly, comparing sizes, noticing patterns or solving everyday problems, we help children understand why maths matters and how it connects to their own experiences. By making maths relevant, practical and enjoyable, we develop confident mathematicians who can use their mathematical thinking independently and make connections between what they learn and the world around them.
Learning to Read in Reception
How will my child learn to read?
In Reception, we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme to help children learn to read confidently and successfully. Children begin by learning the sounds that letters represent and how to blend these sounds together to read words. They practise regularly through fun, structured lessons that include speaking, listening, reading and writing.
As children learn more sounds, they begin to read simple words and sentences using the sounds they know. We introduce books that carefully match the sounds children have been taught, helping them experience success and build confidence.
Alongside RWI, we place a strong emphasis on reading for pleasure. We share a wide range of wonderful stories, poems and non-fiction books every day, helping children develop a love of books that will last a lifetime.
Reading for Pleasure