Pre-Reception and Reception

Committed to understanding each and every child

Children move to Pre-Reception at the start of the Academic year after their 3rd birthday. Pre-Reception is term time with holiday care and is billed on a termly basis. Pre-Reception is where we prepare children for entry to King’s School Reception class. They develop knowledge, skills and confidence that will enable them to make a smooth transition to the next stage of their life at King’s.

King’s School and Nursery classrooms combine modern technology alongside the latest teaching methods to ensure that children get the highest quality provision each day. Early Years classrooms are designed to provide a learning environment which is a pleasure to work and learn in.

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Curriculum

A rich curriculum

From Pre-Reception, children are taught by specialist staff on a weekly basis in Spanish, Music, and Ballet. They also commence Read, Write and Inc lessons which develops the children’s phonic knowledge foundation to prepare them for reading, spelling, comprehension and writing skills.

Outdoor learning come rain or shine is also an integral part of daily life in the Early Years, with children making the most of our enclosed Forest School area with a qualified leader. They pop on their wellingtons and waterproofs to enjoy a rich outdoor programme which provides a wide variety of opportunities for the children to explore and investigate, helping them develop a love of nature and an enquiring mind.

Mathematics

In our math curriculum, we go beyond the basics, engaging in subitising, counting, and early mathematical concepts through enjoyable, hands-on activities.

We emphasise that mathematical learning is not confined to the classroom; it's part of our everyday experiences. Whether it's counting the steps to our Forest School area or delving into the world of shapes and weights in the sandbox, we create an environment where mathematical discoveries are an integral part of our learning journey.

Communication, Language and Literacy

In Foundation and Reception, we foster a love of reading and vocabulary enrichment. Foundation emphasises phonological awareness, a foundational skill for later phonics lessons.

We engage in sound discrimination, rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, blending, and segmenting activities. Early writing and mark-making are also enjoyed. Reception includes regular Phonics lessons and phonetically decodable books for home practice. Phonic knowledge is applied in writing, including recipes, school trip recounts, and creative storytelling, making language development a joyful journey.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

In King's School Reception, we prioritise Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED). Our curriculum emphasises nurturing self-awareness, empathy, and positive relationships.

Through interactive activities and stories, we guide pupils in recognising their own emotions and understanding those of others. We promote social skills like cooperation and communication, ensuring that our young learners feel confident and secure in their learning environment. PSED is a foundational pillar of our education, setting the stage for a well-rounded and emotionally intelligent educational journey.

Physical Development

In Foundation and Reception, we focus on gross and fine motor skills development. We have weekly PE, Dance, and Forest School sessions, exploring diverse body movements.

In Foundation, we follow Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle, making marks to music, crucial for future writing. Dough Disco strengthens finger and hand muscles. In Reception, we progress to letter formation and practical tool use, including cutlery at lunch. Our gross motor skills continue to develop through PE, Forest School, and a week of swimming in the summer.

Understanding the World

We have a profound love for immersive learning, discovering the world firsthand, and enriching our vocabulary through books, videos, and hands-on exploration.

Our early education introduces us to diverse cultures, environments, and natural phenomena, laying the foundation for future studies in HE, RE, Science, Geography, and History. Our curriculum includes weekly lessons in Forest School, Computing, and Spanish, taught by specialists. In Reception, termly school trips further enhance our understanding of the world, making education a dynamic and engaging experience.

Expressive Arts and Design

Foundation and Reception love to be expressive in various ways, from imaginative play, and exploring different media and materials, to singing and dancing.

We have weekly dance lessons with a specialist teacher that teach our pupils how to move our bodies differently in response to the music. We also have weekly Music lessons with a specialist teacher.

A friendly small school with teachers who are dedicated to the holistic development of our children.

– Parent, King’s School

Join us for a Personal Tour

We warmly welcome families throughout the year, offering tailored personal tours on a day that suits you, including school holidays.

Enjoy a guided tour of the school, arranged by a member of our friendly Admissions Team who can answer any questions you may have.

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Facilities & Location

An environment made learning

King’s School and Nursery classrooms combine modern technology along side the latest teaching methods to ensure that children get the highest quality provision each day. Early Years classrooms are designed to provide a learning environment which is a pleasure to work and learn in.

Children have independent access to a wide range of materials and media. Each day provides a carefully planned mix of whole class, small group, individual and self-directed learning time.

The Pre-Reception and Reception children have a full day at School with a healthy lunch on the menu each day.

Begin an unforgettable adventure.

At King’s School, your child’s journey is a transformative experience. They’ll thrive in a nurturing environment with caring educators, engaging in personalised learning.

Your child's learning journey

Nursery

8 months - 3 yrs old

Pre-Reception & Reception

3 - 4 yrs old

Infants

4 - 7 yrs old

Juniors

7 - 11 yrs old

Next steps

Admissions

Open Days & Visits

Academic Excellence

Facilities & Location