Our Reception Team

Our intent for learning in EYFS

At Crigglestone St James Academy, we value each child as an individual and support their learning and development to enable them to be ‘Ready for the Future’. From the beginning of the children’s education at St James, we aim to meet the children’s needs and plan high quality learning experiences which equip the children with the skills and knowledge they require for Key Stage 1.

We have high expectations of each individual helping them make progress throughout the year with activities that engage, create curiosity and off a level of challenge. We promote teamwork, risk taking, exploring and perseverance within our learning environment intending that the children grow resilience, develop independence and make positive contributions to the world in which they live.

Regular Weekly Timetable

We use Read Write Inc to teach phonics in Reception. RWI is taught on a daily basis, as are teacher-led inputs that are based on children's interests.

We also have our English and Maths inputs three times a week, which are also adult lead, and then activities to support these lessons are enhanced within our provision areas to support the chidlren's learning all week. 

In addition to this, children take part in child-initiated learning in both the indoor and outdoor provisions. 

Extra adult-led sessions are held throughout the weekly timetable. All classes throughout school hava a weekly library session.

We use Tapestry as a way of communication with parents. Adults in school can upload photos of children learning, and parents and carers are able to reply or upload photos of children's learning at home. 

Homework: Our homework focuses on basic skills that support the foundations of learning: letter formation, blending and segmenting words, number facts and reading (listening to your children read). Homework will be available on Tapestry and reading homework will be given each week. Maths homework will be completed through White Rose Maths Hub 1 Minute Maths (this will begin after October half term) and Numbots (which will be introduced later on in the school year). How to use White Rose Maths Hub 1 Minute Maths is available below to download.

PE: Monday

Here is our yearly overview showing themes for learning.

Below you will see our curriculum overview for Summer 1 2025, which shows what children's learning will focus on:

In the files below you will find the curriculum overviews for Autumn and Spring term, as well as:

• The phonics parent powerpoint  - I can help Read, Write Inc Phonics  (From 17th September)
• Autumn 1 curriculum overview sheet.