Reception

Please take a look at the significant days during your child's week:

 

Tuesday - Reading book changing day. Children will take reading books home. 

Wednesday - Visit to school library. Children can bring their library book home to be returned the following week.  

Friday - PE -  children come to school in their school PE kit, hair tied back and no earrings please. 

Friday - Forest School (pm). Children will wear all weather suits and wellies to protect their uniform.

• Children should please bring water bottles to school every day - these should be clearly labelled with their names. 
• Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled - hopefully this will help us to avoid things getting lost.
• Reading records and phonics books should be brought into school every day please. 

 

The Early Years Foundation Stage

 

Characteristics of Effective Learning  

Here at Banks St Stephen’s, we believe in the power of learning through play. We focus on providing a stimulating environment where children can explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences. The characteristics of effective learning are at the heart of our teaching approach. We value and encourage children's curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. By fostering these characteristics, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for learning in our young learners.  

Phonics 

In Reception we are using Phase 2, 3 & 4 Phonics, following the Red Rose Phonics scheme. Phonics is taught daily through interactive sessions and exciting activities. We support children in learning letter sounds, blending words, and segmenting sounds. By incorporating phonics into our daily activities, we aim to establish a robust foundation for literacy, guiding our learners towards becoming confident readers and writers.  

Phonics at Home 

We are using Phases 3, 4 & 5 phonics. Click the links below to find pronunciations to support your child at home. 

Phase 2- Phase 2 Phonic Sound Help with Pronunciation (youtube.com) 

Phase 3 - http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU2vWZKS7rY 

 

We are dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Stay tuned for updates on our Reception class's exciting learning journey! 

Useful Websites and Publications

http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/

https://www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks

https://www.purplemash.com/login/ (Your login is in the front of your reading record)

https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/

Parents Guide to EYFS

What to Expect When

/files/the-early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs-2021-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers-august-2021-.pdfhttps://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/apply-for-a-school-place/

 

In Reception Class we do not send home formal homework, however we do ask that children aim to read their home readers for 5-10 minutes every night. We also send home tricky word books which you can use to help your children to consolidate their learning at home. These are updated weekly. 

All year round uniform:

Examples of Banks St Stephen's Uniform Items

· Charcoal Grey or Black Trousers or Shorts

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt

· Royal Blue Round Neck Pullover

· Grey or Black Socks

· Black Shoes

Winter (September - April)

· Charcoal Grey Skirt/Pinafore/Smart Trousers

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt

· Royal Blue Cardigan or Round Neck Pullover

· White Socks/Grey Tights

· Black Shoes

Summer (April - September)

· Pale Blue and White Gingham Dress

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt

· Royal Blue Cardigan or Round Neck Pullover

Footwear:

Plain, black, smart, sturdy shoes. (Boots, trainers, pumps, thin fabric shoes, or high heels are not acceptable. For information, if you are unsure of the suitability of footwear, please ask a member of staff). Acceptable footwear is at the discretion of the Headteacher.

Outdoor Clothing:

Outdoor wear should be a warm coat, preferably with a hood. Scarves, gloves, and hats may be worn during cold weather but these should not be worn in the school buildings.

Bags and Belongings:

Every student should have a school reading bag for school equipment.

P.E. and Games Kit:

Child come dressed in their P.E. kit on the days they have P.E. lessons. Black shorts, pale blue T-shirts (with or without the school logo) and black plimsolls. Trainers can be worn for outdoor sport

In cold weather, children can bring a pair of plain royal blue jogging bottoms to wear over their PE clothes. A plain royal blue hoodie, sweatshirt, or tracksuit top is also acceptable (or school jumper or cardigan can be worn on top of the PE T-shirt).

- Tracksuits, sweatshirts, and hoodies should be plain and royal blue (not designer items with logos)

- Leggings are not part of the school uniform

Our official uniform can be ordered online from www.myclothing.com or bought from Whittakers Online or Uniform shop in Southport. https://www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk/product-category/southport/banks-st-stephens-c-of-e-primary-school/

Learning Outdoors in the Forest:

Pupils learning in the forest may need a change of clothes – their teacher will advise. Children can bring a pair of black jogging bottoms, clean socks, a plain royal blue hoodie, sweatshirt, or tracksuit top, and trainers or wellies.

Swimming:

Girls:

One-piece swimming costume, towel, and swimming cap

Boys:

Swimming trunks or swimming shorts (no Bermuda shorts or PE shorts), towel, and swimming cap

Goggles for swimming (only allowed after parental permission form received by school)

Outdoor Sports:

Football boots – staff will notify when these are required.

Earrings:

Earrings are allowed in school but must be stud earrings and not hoops for safety reasons. Students are required to remove earrings before participating in physical education (PE) activities.

Jewellery and Hairstyles:

For health and safety reasons, we do not allow children to wear jewellery with the exception of a watch. If a student needs to wear a piece of jewellery for medical or religious reasons, it should be removed or covered up during physical activity or during practical learning. Jewellery worn for medical or religious reasons will only beallowed once approval has been sought and agreed in writing in advance. Hair should not obscure a student’s vision. Extreme hairstyles, gel, or colourings are not allowed. If parents are unsure as to the suitability of a hairstyle, they should check with the staff in school first. Long hair should always be tied back, especially during PE lessons or practical activities. Hair accessories should be small, plain, and blue. Make-up is not allowed at any time. Nail varnish or false nails are not allowed.

 

School Uniform Support: We have a stock of various sized, donated school uniform items available. These are completely free and subject to availability. If you need any items for your child, please contact the school office.