Early Years
Welcome to Reception
Welcome to Belgrave, our Reception class at St Peter’s! We are delighted to welcome you and your child as they begin an exciting new chapter in their learning journey. We offer up to 30 places in Reception, where children are supported by a caring team in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Through our engaging indoor and outdoor spaces, exciting learning opportunities and weekly visits to Grosvenor Forest School, we help children develop confidence, independence, friendships and a lifelong love of learning.
EYFS curriculum statement
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum provides the foundations for a happy, successful and fulfilling school journey. We recognise that every child is unique and comes to school with their own interests, experiences and strengths. Through a balance of play, exploration, active learning and adult-led teaching, children develop across the seven areas of learning: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. We celebrate diversity, promote positive relationships and ensure that every child, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is supported to feel valued, included and ready to learn.
Phonics and early reading
We want every child to discover the joy of reading and develop the skills to become a confident, independent reader. Through our systematic phonics programme, Little Wandle, children learn to recognise letters and their sounds, blend sounds to read words and develop their early reading fluency. Carefully matched reading books, regular reading practice and opportunities to share stories help children build confidence and understanding. Reading is part of everyday life in Belgrave, and we encourage families to share books at home, talk about stories and celebrate every step of their child's reading journey.
Communication, language and early writing
Talking, listening, sharing ideas and discovering new words are at the heart of learning in Reception. Through stories, songs, rhymes, conversations, role play and carefully planned adult interactions, children develop the language and confidence to express themselves and understand others. We provide meaningful opportunities for children to make marks, draw, write and develop the fine motor skills needed for early writing.
Early mathematics
We make mathematics meaningful, practical and enjoyable, helping children develop a secure understanding of number and mathematical concepts. Through games, songs, stories, construction, outdoor activities and everyday routines, children explore counting, recognising quantities, comparing numbers, spotting patterns, exploring shapes and using mathematical language. Adults build on children's ideas through thoughtful questions and practical experiences, helping them develop curiosity, confidence and the foundations for future mathematical learning.
Assessment and partnership with parents
We believe that children make the best progress when school and homework together. The Reception Baseline Assessment takes place at the start of the year, while the ongoing assessment helps us understand children's developing knowledge. We use Tapestry to share learning and important moments with families, alongside parent meetings and opportunities to discuss progress. At the end of Reception, the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile provides a summary of each child's development and progress towards the Early Learning Goals. We value the knowledge parents bring about their children and encourage open, regular communication throughout the year.
Starting school information
Starting school is a big milestone for children and their families, and we want the transition into Belgrave to feel as smooth and positive as possible. We provide opportunities for children to become familiar with their new surroundings, meet the team and begin building relationships before starting school. We provide a six-week drop-in programme that allows children and parents to get to know our school and team. We help children develop the everyday routines and independence they need, including managing their belongings, handwashing, toileting and mealtimes. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always happy to help and offer reassurance.
Outdoor learning
We know that some of the most memorable learning happens when children have the freedom to explore, investigate and discover the world around them. Our weekly visits to Grosvenor Forest School allow children to experience the natural world, take supportive risks, develop resilience and work together in a different learning environment. Outdoor learning takes place throughout the year, so children should come prepared for the weather with suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. We encourage children to be curious, adventurous and respectful of the world around them.
Growing together in Belgrave
Above all, we want every child to feel happy, safe, valued and excited about to school. We nurture the key values of service, hope, love and wisdom, helping children develop kindness, respect, resilience and a sense of belonging. By celebrating individual achievements, encouraging independence and providing the right support and challenge, we aim to ensure that every child leaves Reception with a strong foundation for future learning, lasting friendships and a love of discovery.