Welcome to
Elder 2 – Reception
The children in Reception are offered a ‘hands on’ play based curriculum, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the day.
In addition to the activities planned by the adults, the children are offered plenty of opportunities to direct their own learning and staff are highly skilled in observing the children and recognising opportunities to support and extend children’s ideas.
Summer letter 2026
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome both parents and children back to Reception and hope you had a lovely break. We have made a great start since returning to school and hope you are all ready for a busy summer term! (Please see some important dates for your diary on the next page.)
We look forward to working with you all for the last term in Reception. As always, if you have any questions or queries, please speak to a member of the Early Years Team.
This term we will be covering two themes:-
‘Growth and Change’ and ‘Transport’.
This half term our topic is ‘Growth and Change’. Attached is a copy of our topic web which will give you an overview of some of the activities and learning that will be taking place in Reception this half term. We will continue to use texts as a stimulus for our learning, including ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. We will learn all about life cycles and growing plants. After half term, we will be reading stories with a transport theme, including ‘Mr Grumpy’s Outing,’ ‘You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus’ and ‘The Hundred Decker Bus’. We are currently in the process of arranging our own ‘outing’ so we will update you as soon as possible with further plans.
We will be continuing to share lots of stories as a class, in small groups and individually to foster an enjoyment of reading. Listening to and talking about stories are really important early reading skills and we really encourage you to read a story with your child every day. New home learning challenge sheets will be sent home in your child’s blue book. Please work through some activities with your child at home as this will support their learning in school.
Our daily Supersonic Phonics, Literacy and Maths sessions will continue to take place, along with all the other areas of learning in the EYFS.
On Messy Mondays, our art and craft activities will be linked to our topics this term, including artwork inspired by Eric Carle’s work.
We will be enjoying our Welly Wednesday sessions and noticing signs of summer as our seasons change. Our activities will include caring for living things, planting our own seeds and finding out what plants need to grow.
Keep an eye on our Dojo stories to find out more about what we are doing each week.
Please make sure PE kits are in school for PE lessons on Fridays. Please could all children also have a pair of outdoor shoes/trainers for outdoor PE lessons as the weather improves. A reminder to keep helping your child develop independence at home by dressing themselves and fastening shoes… well done to those who are already able to do this!
Dates for your diary
The last day of this half term is Friday 22nd May. Next half term will begin on Monday 1st June. School closes for the summer holidays on Friday 17th July at 2pm.
28th April – 1:30-3pm – EYFS Open Afternoon (new starters)
4th May – Bank Holiday
17th June – EYFS Sports day – Time TBC
1st July – EYFS Outdoor Stay and Play – 2pm
1st July at 6pm – Intake Meeting for new starters (Nursery and Reception)
13th July – Whole school sponsored walk
