A Day in the Life of a Reception Child at EHPS
A Day in the Life of Reception
In Reception, no two days are ever the same but every day is joyful, purposeful and full of discovery. Here is what a typical day looks like in our Early Years.
A Warm and Independent Start
Our mornings begin at the little gate where children say goodbye and come into class independently. They greet friends and staff, put their belongings away and settle into engaging morning activities which evolve as the year progresses.
After registration we begin with our rhyme of the week and a favourite song or two. This gentle start supports language development, listening skills and community connection.
Early Reading and Writing Foundations:
Next comes handwriting and phonics. These sessions are vital as they lay the foundations for reading and writing.
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· We use Kinetic Letters, a programme that develops body strength, pencil grip and fluent letter formation:
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· Our phonics teaching follows Sounds-Write, a highly effective, structured programme based on the science of reading:
Discovery Time
Children then move into Discovery Time - a core part of our Reception curriculum. Our learning spaces are rich, varied and designed to ignite curiosity. Children choose activities that match their interests and passions. Options change regularly but often include:
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Construction and small world play
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A stage for performing
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Sand and water play
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Role play
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Arts, crafts and mark making
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Mud kitchens, bikes and trikes
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Music, storytelling and fine motor challenges
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Adults join children in their play, guiding and stretching their learning while building on what they already know and love.
Before morning play, we gather for a story. We believe rhymes and books are central to building vocabulary, communication and imagination.
English Through Adventure
After play we dive into English. You might find us hunting for clues left by the gingerbread man or sailing away to visit the wild things. We use Talk for Writing, which helps children internalise language structures by orally rehearsing stories:
https://www.talk4writing.com/
Discovery Time
Before lunch there is another burst of Discovery Time.
Lunchtime
Lunchtime itself is a chance to play with other year groups, see siblings and explore our outdoor equipment.
Maths Mastery and Afternoon Exploration
After lunch we move into Maths. We follow a Maths Mastery approach to build deep, secure and flexible mathematical understanding:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/teaching-for-mastery/
This is followed by even more Discovery Time before we gather to tidy up and reflect on our day. During this final session we explore Understanding the World, PSHE, weekend news or celebrate birthdays. We often join Blue Class (our Specialist Unit link class) for singing and signing.
Our Weekly Extras
Every week we also enjoy:
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Forest School – campfires, mud, marshmallows and outdoor adventure
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Specialist Music and PE teaching
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Assemblies and joint activities with Blue Class
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As children grow, we gradually increase the length and challenge of formal learning, always ensuring that Reception remains joyful, nurturing and full of opportunities to thrive.
A Wonderful Start to School
A day in Reception is never the same but it is always filled with laughter, love and learning. The early years are a precious time when foundations are built and attitudes towards learning are shaped. Being part of this is a privilege.
Our Pledge to You and Your Child
We promise you that every day your child will learn something. Some days they will bring it home in their hands. Some days they will bring it home in their heads and some days they will bring it home in their hearts.
