Welcome to Early Years at Lightmoor
In our Reception class, we recognise every child as a unique learner who grows at their own pace and brings their own strengths, interests and experiences. Our curriculum is shaped by the Characteristics of Effective Learning, ensuring children learn through playing and exploring, active learning, and developing their own ideas through critical thinking. We provide a rich, play based environment with real-life, hands-on opportunities—both indoors and outdoors—to spark curiosity and build independence.
Learning is carefully planned and sequenced across all seven areas of the EYFS Framework: Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Foundational skills are continually revisited and strengthened to support long term progress.
Our positive, nurturing environment encourages children to become confident, independent learners with a resilient attitude towards challenge. Our high expectations and well-structured curriculum mean that pupils have a confident base of foundational knowledge to progress into Year 1. From our initial home visits, we work closely with families, valuing strong partnerships and shared understanding, so that together we can support every child to thrive, succeed and enjoy their learning journey at Lightmoor and beyond.
Tapestry
At Lightmoor, each child’s learning journey is captured through Tapestry, our secure online learning journal. Parents can view and comment on observations made in school, as well as add their own photos, videos and experiences from home. This shared approach helps us build a complete picture of every child’s learning and development.
Early Reading
Children develop early reading skills through a love of books, daily story sharing and the systematic teaching of phonics using Read Write Inc. Here, children are grouped based on ability and taught accordingly. Carefully chosen texts are planned throughout the year to support language development and nurture a real enjoyment of reading. Once children know all Set 1 sounds and can blend, they take home a phonetically decodable reading book matched to their stage, alongside a storybook to enjoy and share.
For more information on our Phonics teaching, click here
Early Writing and Maths
At Lightmoor, we have high expectations for both writing and maths and we challenge all pupils to reach their potential. From their very first day, children are explicitly taught key foundational skills such as fine motor control and early mathematical understanding through focused phonics and maths lessons, as well as purposeful child-led activities. Progress is monitored closely, and timely support is put in place to ensure every child moves forward with confidence.
Timetable
Please see our example timetable of a typical day in EYFS.
SEND Provision
We aim for all pupils to feel included, safe and content and to reach their full potential. In EYFS, we work closely with the school SENDCO and a wide range of external agencies to offer additional support and early intervention for those who need it. We have an experienced team of EYFS staff who are dedicated to ensuring that all children enjoy their time in school and make progress. Our hands-on, play-based learning means that our EYFS environment is inclusive to all pupils.
Please see our SEND policy for more information.
EYFS Teacher - Miss Edwards