Starting Reception
Your child's journey to school starts at home
💬 A Welcome from the EYFS Team
Hello and a very warm welcome to all our new families!
Starting school is a big step—for children and parents—and at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, we’re here to make that journey as smooth, exciting, and positive as possible. In our Early Years Unit, we believe that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. That’s why we create a nurturing, play-rich environment where curiosity is encouraged, confidence is built, and learning feels like an adventure.
Our Reception class, Donaldson Class, is led by Mrs Bayliss, our EYFS Lead, alongside a fantastic team of experienced and caring staff. We work closely with families, nurseries, and childminders to ensure every child feels safe, settled, and ready to thrive.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our school community and begin this exciting new chapter together!
With warm wishes,
The EYFS Team at Lenthall
🏫 What to Expect in Reception
Starting Reception is an exciting milestone, and at Lenthall, we make sure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn through play.
🕘 A Typical Day
Each day in Donaldson Class follows a gentle routine that helps children feel secure and confident:
- Morning welcome and registration
- Phonics and early literacy on the carpet
- Child-led play and exploration in our indoor and outdoor areas
- Snack time and story sharing
- Maths through hands-on activities
- Lunchtime
- Afternoon learning linked to our Lenthall Learning Challenge
- Songs, stories, and reflection time before home
🧠 Key Areas of Learning
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, focusing on:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Literacy and maths
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
🎨 Learning Through Play
Play is at the heart of everything we do. Through carefully planned, curiosity-led activities, children:
- Make choices and follow their interests
- Build friendships and develop social skills
- Explore numbers, letters, and language in meaningful ways
- Use their imagination and creativity
- Develop independence and resilience
Our experienced staff guide and support children’s learning through a balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activities, ensuring every child is challenged and celebrated.
✅ Top Tips for Getting Ready
Help your child feel confident and ready for Reception with these simple, everyday activities:
- 👟 Practise putting on coats and shoes independently
- 🚽 Encourage toilet independence and handwashing routines
- ✍️ Help them recognise and begin writing their name
- 🗣️ Talk about feelings and what school will be like
- 🧃 Open lunchboxes and drink bottles
- 📚 Share stories together to build listening and language skills
- 🧸 Play turn-taking games to develop social skills
Tip: Keep routines consistent and celebrate small successes to build confidence!
❓ FAQs Section
Q: What should my child bring to school?
A labelled water bottle, a book bag, and appropriate clothing for the weather. PE kit on Fridays.
Q: What if my child is upset at drop-off?
Our staff are experienced in helping children settle. We’ll work with you to create a gentle routine and offer lots of reassurance.
Q: How do I communicate with the teacher?
We use ClassDojo for regular updates and messages. You can also speak to staff at drop-off or arrange a meeting if needed.
📚 8. Link to EYFS Curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which supports children’s development across seven key areas through play, exploration, and guided learning.
You can read more about the EYFS here:
👉 EYFS Framework – GOV.UK
At Lenthall, we bring the EYFS to life through curiosity-led learning, outdoor exploration, and a strong focus on communication and relationships.
💬 Parent Testimonials
“The staff were so welcoming and helped my child settle quickly. She comes home excited to tell me what she’s learned!”
— Reception Parent
“We loved the outdoor learning and forest school. It’s such a nurturing environment.”
— Nursery Parent
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