We expect our children to achieve the highest possible standards according to their ability, to develop their talents to the full and to become more sensitive, confident and positive members of society.
Our ethos is Learning and Growing Together which is reflected in our GROW values.
Outdoor Learning
In Reception we are fortunate enough to have our own outdoor space. It’s a safe place where children enjoy exploring and learning in a fun and exciting way. It can provide many challenges and a sense of adventure where children are actively involved in driving their own learning. We encourage our children to learn about their surroundings and the world they live in – from watching plants grow and observing butterflies in the garden to taking exciting risks on the obstacle courses and so much more.
Our children use the outdoor area for lunchtime play. It enables them to play with their friends and continue to develop their friendships. We find that being together in this space helps children to settle into school quickly and helps some children overcome any anxious feelings they may have about being with children they may not know yet.
It is also our outdoor classroom – jam-packed with nature’s resources and filled with exciting opportunities to learn and discover. We never let the weather stop us – even in the rain we wear our waterproofs and wellies and get going. Who doesn’t love splashing in puddles? We have various learning stations such as a stage for roleplay, camp area, music area, sandpit and a mud kitchen. We often build dens where we can share stories and songs as well as use the safe space to talk to each other.
A Typical Day in Reception
- 8.40am – Doors open
- 8.50am – Doors and gates closed
- 9.00am – Register and carpet time
- 9.15am – Indoor and outdoor provision with focus and independent activities
- 10.00am – Snack time
- 10.15am – Carpet time
- 10.30am – Indoor and outdoor provision with focus and independent activities
- 11.15am – Phonics
- 11.35am – Wash hands
- 11.45am – Lunchtime
- 1.00pm – Carpet time
- 1.15pm – Continuous provision with focus and independent activities
- 2.15pm – Story time
- 3.15pm – Home time
Snacks and Lunch
All children are provided with a healthy snack as part of the National Free Fruit scheme. We eat our snacks together at circle time.
Children are eligible for the free milk scheme until their 5th birthday. You can register online or complete the form and return to FREEPOST COOL MILK if you would like your child to receive milk.
Lunchtime is a very important part of a child’s school day and we have a great team to support your child at this time.
Louise is our school cook and she has a small team who prepare dinner on site using some foods from our school garden. She works with each class so she gets to know each child well and her door is always open to speak to parents and carers.
Please be aware that due to some of our pupils having severe allergies we are a totally nut free school. Please remember we have children with other severe allergies too (milk/nuts/egg). Please consider this when sending children in with food and remind our children not to share snacks.
Thank you for your understanding.
What our parents and carers say
“Reception is all about learning through play and Jack adored being a part of it. Mrs Thomas is exactly what you’d want in an early years teacher – she is warm, fun, approachable and nurturing. This means that each individual child is supported, celebrated and … loved! The children are encouraged to explore in the outside space and challenge themselves in the classroom helping them to become great, independent little learners.”
“My daughter couldn’t have been in better hands starting her school journey at NBPS. Despite being shy and lacking confidence at the start, she settled in brilliantly with the support and enthusiasm of Mrs Thomas. She made lots of new friends and learned so much, despite constantly telling me “We don’t do any work in Reception Mummy, we just play.” She ended the year with so much more confidence and her newfound knowledge and abilities far exceeded my expectations.“
“James is our second child to go through Early Years at Norris Bank and unsurprisingly we were not disappointed with our experience. He started out only being able to write his first name but by Christmas he was reading books and able to write some sentences, building them into basic stories. The learning through play has been fabulous too and James has loved every adventure. We have been thrilled with James’ time at Norris Bank so far. We have felt secure in the knowledge that he is being nurtured and cared for in the best possible way.“