Class teacher: Miss E Morrisroe
Early years practitioner: Mrs R Dyer
Teaching assistants: Mrs N Robertson and Ms R Leech

Welcome to Reception and Year 1, the first step in your child's exciting adventure through school.  The early years of education are a crucial time for developing the foundations of learning, confidence, and social development. Reception and Year 1 pupils are often at varying stages in their learning and development, regardless of their age. By bringing these year groups together, we can:

• Better tailor learning to individual needs. Children progress at different rates. A mixed-age classroom allows for greater flexibility in teaching and learning, helping each child to access activities and challenges appropriate to their developmental stage.
• Encourage peer learning and leadership. Reception children benefit from the support and modelling of their slightly older peers, while Year 1 children gain confidence and leadership skills through supporting younger classmates.
• Smooth the transition from play-based to formal learning. The shift from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Key Stage 1 can be a significant one. A mixed-age class helps ease this transition, allowing Year 1 children to continue to benefit from a play-based, exploratory approach to learning as appropriate.
• Create a nurturing and consistent environment. Smaller, more cohesive learning groups foster stronger relationships between children and staff, promoting a greater sense of security, belonging, and wellbeing.