RECEPTION
Our Early Years Vision
We are preparing our children to have a love of learning through curiosity, risk taking and high levels of engagement inside and outside of our setting. We ensure our children have confidence in their own opinions and ideas, which assist in organising our activities and environment. Our children are provided with the knowledge and skills to become lifelong learners.
In Reception, children are able to access indoor and outdoor provision throughout the day. We have a large, shared learning environment, consisting of two classroom areas, a creative area, a role play area and a reading area. We also have an outdoor space to continue our learning outside of the classroom. Our classrooms promote a calm learning environment, which encourages independence and supports well-being. We learn through ‘adventures’ which reflect children’s interests and learning styles.
The needs and interests of the children, the environment and the time of year are reflected in our planning. We organise the curriculum into topic areas and make connections to all seven areas of learning where possible. The children feel listened to and valued because they contribute to the planning process, which gives them ownership and improves their learning experience.
Through play, children are encouraged to become independent learners as they access the different areas of learning. It is important at this early stage that children are provided with the skills necessary to identify and communicate their needs and wants, look after themselves and their belongings and make choices. This independence helps children to make sense of the world around them and provides them with opportunities to create, investigate and communicate.
Throughout the year, children will have a range of experiences beyond the classroom including, joining in with celebrations, educational trips and opportunities to explore the natural world through walks and outdoor learning. Plus, they will often visit the library in Rugeley Town centre.
We place great importance on providing real-life learning opportunities, which helps children make links to the world around them. During the year, children will be taught woodwork skills, learn about various life cycles and explore the outdoor classroom. To spark curiosity and encourage imagination, we have real life objects, such as loose parts, china, historical objects, natural materials and our role-play area reflects this allowing the children to experiment in a safe environment. The children will also visit the EY Forest School area each week to enhance learning opportunities.
Mrs Dean, Mrs Scrivens and Mrs Palmer-Hayward | Reception Teachers
My name is Mrs Dean and I have worked at The John Bamford Primary School for 15 years. I am an experienced teacher and member of the Senior Leadership Team. Teaching children from Reception to Year 6, has given me a valuable insight into how children learn across the primary curriculum. Since having two children of my own, I have become fascinated in learning about the foundations of education and how they shape our children as individuals. I am dedicated to making sure every child has the very best start in education. In my spare time I love to play with my children, spend time with my family, read and draw.
My name is Mrs Scrivens. I have been teaching for 18 years and this is my second year at The John Bamford School. I continue to be subject lead for PSHE and RSHE. I have many years of experience in EYFS and I am extremely passionate about the Foundation Stage and providing the best possible starting point for our youngest learners, as they start their journey through education with us. I have recently qualified as a ‘Hygge in the Early Years’ teacher and I'm so inspired by the Scandinavian approach to teaching and learning. This year I have gained my Level two Forest Skills qualification. I am married and have two daughters, as well as 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 fish and now have 5 rescue hens. I love spending time with my family, reading and going to the theatre, as well as lovely long dog walks.
Bienvenu, I am Mrs Palmer-Hayward and I am enthused to be co-teaching Reception and music this year across the school. As a musician, I am proficient in piano, keyboard, clarinet, and saxophone. I thoroughly enjoy various forms of artistic expression. My passion for the arts extends beyond personal expression to community involvement. I take pride in producing my choir, orchestrating harmonies that uplift and inspire. Attending musicals allows me to immerse myself in the enchanting world of theatre, where I can share my love for music and performance with other likeminded individuals. My dedication to both creating and experiencing a variety of art forms, enriches not only my own life but also the lives of those around me.
