Reception

Welcome to Reception at Shirehampton Primary School.

Reception is an exciting year as children begin their journey through primary school. Our aim is to provide a happy, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel confident to explore, learn, develop their independence and build positive relationships.

Learning in Reception takes place through a combination of purposeful play, carefully planned adult-led learning and opportunities for children to explore and develop their own interests.

Our two Reception classes are Edinburgh and London. 

 Meet the Reception Team

Edinburgh Class
Mrs Selina Smart – Monday to Wednesday
Mrs Victoria Woodland – Wednesday to Friday

London Class
Miss Jamila Williams

Reception are also supported by Mrs Rachael Crouch and Mrs Aileen Walsh. 

Learning in Reception

Children in Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Learning is organised across seven areas:

Prime Areas

• Communication and Language

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Physical Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

Children learn through a combination of adult-led teaching and purposeful play, with opportunities to explore, investigate, create, talk, practise and apply their developing knowledge and skills.

Reception Baseline Assessment

During the first six weeks of Reception, children take part in the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA).

The RBA is a short, practical assessment carried out individually with each child by a familiar member of school staff. It provides a starting point from which the progress children make during their time at primary school can be measured.

The activities cover early mathematics and literacy, communication and language. They are designed to be engaging and appropriate for young children and there is no need for children to prepare or practise for the assessment.

The RBA is not a pass or fail assessment and individual scores are not provided to school or parents. Teachers will continue to use their everyday observations and assessments to understand each child's individual strengths, needs and next steps in learning.

→ Information Leaflet on the Reception Baseline Assessment

Information collected as part of the Reception Baseline Assessment is processed in accordance with data protection legislation. Further information about how this data is collected and used can be found in the RBA privacy notice.

→ RBA Privacy Notice

 Phonics & Early Reading

Reading is a key priority in Reception.

Children are taught phonics systematically through Unlocking Letters and Sounds, developing the skills they need to recognise sounds, blend them together and begin to read independently.

Children bring home appropriately matched reading material so that they can practise and consolidate the skills they are learning in school.

Sharing books and stories together is also an important part of developing children's vocabulary, comprehension and enjoyment of reading.

→ Find out more about Phonics & Early Reading

What We Are Learning

Our curriculum overview shows the learning and experiences planned for children throughout Reception.

📄 Reception Curriculum Overview 2026–27

Home Learning

Learning at home in Reception should be enjoyable and manageable.

Regularly sharing books, practising phonics and talking together about children's experiences can make a significant difference.

From time to time, teachers may suggest activities linked to children's current learning.

How You Can Help at Home

There are lots of simple ways you can support your child during Reception. Families can support children by:

• Sharing books and stories regularly
• Practising phonics and reading
• Singing songs and nursery rhymes
• Talking about numbers, shapes and patterns in everyday life
• Encouraging children to dress themselves and manage their belongings
• Talking about school and what they have been learning
• Encouraging curiosity, conversation and independence

Most importantly, talk to your child about their experiences and interests and enjoy learning together.

 Reception Newsletters 2026-2027

Our Reception newsletter provides information about what children will be learning and important information for the term.

Term 1 Newsletter
Term 2 Newsletter
Term 3 Newsletter
Term 4 Newsletter
Term 5 Newsletter
Term 6 Newsletter

 Useful Information

PE Days

[Add current  PE days]

Reading books changed

on [day]

What Children Need

Please ensure that all clothing, water bottles and other belongings are clearly named.

Children should bring a named water bottle to school each day.

Communication

Important year-group information and reminders will be shared with families through Arbor.

If you have a question about your child's learning or wellbeing, please speak to their class teacher. For non urgent matters you can email your child's class teacher. These email addresses are checked weekly during term time.

Miss Jamila Williams: london@shirehampton-jun.bristol.sch.uk 

Mrs Selina Smart/Mrs Vicky Woodland: edinburgh@shirehampton-jun.bristol.sch.uk

For urgent matters, absence or information which needs an immediate response, please contact the school office.