East Hunsbury Primary School

Welcome to EHPS Early Years

Starting school is one of the most important milestones in your child’s life. At EHPS, we believe that children only get one chance at their first year of school and we want to make it the very best experience possible. Our aim is to ensure every child feels happy, safe and ready to learn from day one. We are excited to unlock their educational brilliance.

A Smooth Transition into School

Transition is key to a successful start, and we do everything we can to help your child feel confident and secure before their first day.

We offer a range of opportunities for children and families to get to know us, including:

Stay and Play Sessions – A chance for children to explore their new environment with you by their side.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic – A fun, informal event to meet friends and teachers.
Forest School Sessions – Outdoor adventures that spark curiosity and confidence.
Home Visits – Personal time for us to learn about your child in their own setting.

We also hold special information sessions for parents, where we explain step by step how school works and answer any questions you may have.

Working Together: Parental Partnerships

We know that strong partnerships with parents make a huge difference. Communication is at the heart of what we do and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. From newsletters and videos to Class Dojo updates and workshops, we’ll share what your child is learning and how you can support them at home.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is inclusive, aspirational and enabling, designed to give every child the best possible start. It’s exciting, hands-on and tailored to meet individual needs. You can explore our full curriculum by clicking here.

Building Strong Foundations

At EHPS, we believe that the foundations laid in Reception shape a child’s future learning so we work especially hard to made them strong!

From day one, we focus on:

Learning to talk well - Developing rich vocabulary and confident communication skills.
Phonics - We teach early reading using the highly effective Sounds-Write programme (Did you know? We are even a Sounds-Write Silver Accredited school).
Handwriting - Taught through Kinetic Letters, ensuring correct posture, grip and letter formation (for more information about how we teach handwriting and for some useful resources, click here).
Mastery Maths - Building deep understanding of number and problem-solving skills.
Characteristics of Effective Learning - Encouraging curiosity, resilience and independence in every child.

Our team of highly skilled teachers and teaching assistants work together to provide personalised support. Where needed, we deliver carefully timed and targeted interventions to help every child thrive.

A Typical Day in Reception

Drop-off: The school day begins at 8:30am. Children are dropped off at the grey gate, where a member of staff will greet them and take them to their classroom.

Learning: Each day is a balance of direct teaching and learning through play during Discovery Time. This approach helps children develop independence, creativity and problem-solving skills whilst having the opportunity to practise and apply skills taught in class.

Breaks and Lunch: Our caring staff support children during playtimes and lunch to ensure they feel safe and happy.

Home Time: The day finishes at 3:20pm where you will collect your child, once again, from the grey gate.

Exciting Experiences

Throughout the year, children enjoy a variety of trips and visitors, including:

Visits to the farm and local library
Special guests like the Bug Man, local ambulance crews and police officers
Memorable events such as the Nativity, class assemblies and seasonal celebrations

Pastoral Care

Your child’s well-being is our priority. We create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported, both emotionally and socially.

Communication and Progress

We keep parents informed through:

Class Dojo for day-to-day updates
Weekly Reception newsletters and videos to support phonics and other learning at home
Parents’ Evenings to discuss progress
End-of-year reports to celebrate achievements and set goals for the future

Our Facilities

EHPS boasts excellent facilities that inspire curiosity and creativity. From calm, purposeful classrooms to engaging outdoor spaces, everything is designed to evoke the best learning experiences.

We Can’t Wait to Welcome You!

Starting school is a big step, and we’re here to make it a positive and exciting journey for your child. For more details on our Early Years provision, do not hesitate to contact the school office, Ms Pennington (Headteacher) or Miss Stryjek (Early Years’ Leader) who will be more than happy to help you.

Come and see where the magic begins!