Welcome to Class 1 2026/2027

Dear Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year!

I hope your summer has been filled with sunshine, adventures, laughter, and plenty of time to make special memories together. It is a real pleasure to welcome everyone back to our classroom and to extend a particularly warm welcome to the children and families joining us for the first time.

As we begin this exciting new year, our classroom is ready and waiting for curious minds, muddy boots, big imaginations, and lots of smiles. Together, we will read wonderful stories, ask thoughtful questions, explore the world around us, create, discover, investigate, sing, laugh, and learn. Every day will bring new opportunities to grow in confidence, kindness, resilience, and independence.

In our class, we believe that every child is unique and capable of amazing things. Whether they are taking their very first steps into school life in Reception, building on their growing skills in Year 1, or embracing new challenges in Year 2, each child will be encouraged to shine in their own way. We will celebrate effort, curiosity, creativity, and perseverance, knowing that these qualities help children flourish both in and beyond the classroom.

This year, we will continue to nurture a love of learning through rich experiences, outdoor exploration, high-quality texts, practical investigations, and opportunities for children to follow their interests and passions. We want our classroom to be a place where children feel safe to take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover just how much they can achieve.

A few reminders as we start the year:

• PE will take place every Wednesday. Please ensure your child comes to school wearing their PE kit on this day.
• Please bring a named water bottle to school each day.
• Please bring the reading folder and book to school each day.
• As we enjoy being and learning outdoors in all seasons, suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear are always appreciated.

 

One of my favourite thoughts about learning comes from A. A. Milne:

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

As we embark on our journey together, I look forward to seeing the children grow in confidence, make new friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. By working together, we can make this year a happy, successful, and inspiring one for every child.

Here's to a year filled with wonder, discovery, friendship, and joy!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

With warmest wishes,

The Class 1 Team

---

What happens in Class 1?

The Reception to Year 2 phase provides the foundations for lifelong learning, development, and well-being. Across these important early years of education, we recognise that every child is a unique individual with their own strengths, interests, experiences, and starting points. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of child development and how children learn best through a balance of exploration, direct teaching, collaboration, and meaningful experiences.

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential. We view children as active participants in their learning, encouraging them to ask questions, solve problems, think creatively, and develop independence. This approach supports children in becoming confident learners who are motivated to engage with the world around them.

Our learning environment is carefully designed to meet the needs of children from Reception through to Year 2. It provides rich opportunities for investigation, imagination, discussion, and purposeful play, while also supporting the increasing structure and challenge required as children progress through Key Stage 1. Adults work alongside children as skilled practitioners, using observation, questioning, modelling, and explicit teaching to extend learning and deepen understanding.

In Reception, continuous provision plays a central role in enabling children to explore, practise, and apply their learning through purposeful play. As children move into Years 1 and 2, opportunities for exploration and practical learning continue alongside increasingly structured lessons in reading, writing, mathematics, and the wider curriculum. This balanced approach ensures that children develop secure knowledge and skills while maintaining curiosity, creativity, and engagement.

Assessment is an ongoing part of teaching and learning throughout the phase. Teachers continually observe, monitor, and respond to children's progress, using assessment to inform next steps and provide appropriate support and challenge. This responsive approach ensures that every child is supported to achieve their potential and make strong progress from their individual starting points.

Positive relationships and effective communication are central to success. Our school values a strong partnership between children, families, and staff. Open and regular communication helps create a shared understanding of each child's development and learning journey. By working together, we can provide consistency, encouragement, and support that promotes both emotional well-being and academic achievement.

Reading is a key priority across Reception, Year 1, and Year 2. Children are immersed in a language-rich environment where high-quality texts, storytelling, discussion, and vocabulary development are embedded throughout the curriculum. Systematic phonics teaching supports early reading development, while opportunities to read widely help children build fluency, comprehension, and a lifelong love of books. Regular reading at home remains an essential part of this journey, strengthening the partnership between school and family and significantly supporting children's progress.

Ultimately, the Reception to Year 2 phase is about nurturing confident, resilient, and enthusiastic learners. Through high-quality teaching, strong relationships, engaging learning experiences, and a supportive environment, children develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to flourish in the next stage of their education and beyond.

 Mrs Collier, Ms Higton, and Ms Stacey