Reception Staff
Miss Smith – Reception Teacher
Hi, my name is Kate Smith and I teach Reception at St John’s. In 2016 I completed my teacher training in Year One and was lucky enough to have Miss Bramley as my mentor. I was then offered a job as the Reception Teacher and have never looked back! I absolutely love teaching within EYFS and enjoy watching children learn and develop all of the new skills they need to start their school journey! Reception is a wonderful year group to teach as children are full of awe and wonder and are so eager to learn. It is also one of the only places where my limited singing and dancing skills are truly appreciated.
As well as being the Reception Teacher, I am also the subject coordinator for Computing across school – a rewarding role as children are growing up in a digital world and technology will be a pivotal part throughout your child’s life.
When I am not in school teaching, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family or going to music events and gigs!
Mrs Hogarth – HLTA
My name is Mrs. Hogarth and I am the Higher-Level Teaching Assistant in Early Years. I work as part of the EYFS team to support the planning and implementation of the EYFS curriculum and to provide a safe and stimulating environment for all the children to learn and play in.
Since 2008 my role has evolved from working in Nursery to now being based in the Reception Class with Miss Smith. What I absolutely love about working with this age group is being able to share with the children all the things I enjoy doing with my family such as baking, gardening, exploring the outdoors and having fun!
Reception Important Information
Miss Smith (Reception Class Teacher) and Mrs Hogarth (HLTA) work full time in Reception. On a Wednesday and Thursday morning, Mrs Moan (SENDco) provides additional support to the Reception Class.
Reading Books
Developing reading skills is fundamental to your child’s development and a huge part of their Reception journey! Children will receive a book every Friday to bring home and practise, as well as being able to access books and activities through Active Learn, with each child receiving a personal log-in. Additionally, staff will hear the children read throughout the week on a one-to-one basis. Children will also read to adults during other activities such as Guided Reading. The reading books that are sent home must be practised numerous times at home so that the children become confident young readers.
Homework
Throughout the year we ask parents to consolidate the skills being explored in the classroom such as children writing their own name, practising their counting, sharing books and developing their independence. After October half term, the children will also receive weekly spelling homework to further develop their learning in Phonics. The children will be taught sounds and words throughout their daily phonics sessions and will receive their spellings every Monday. The children will be tested on these words on a Friday. The worksheet does not need to be handed back in to school.
PE Lessons
At the moment, Reception children will be completing all PE lessons outdoors every Friday. Therefore, we are encouraging children to come into school children dressed in suitable clothing for completing physical activities but will also allow them to be comfortable throughout the rest of the day.
Suggested kit:
plain white t-shirt or polo shirt
black, grey or navy tracksuit bottoms
trainers
Children can wear their red school jumpers over their white t-shirts and must still bring a coat on this day.
Additional Information
It would be extremely helpful if you could name your child’s uniform (especially the jumpers) in case they are misplaced throughout the school day. Please do not bring bags of spare clothes in to school for your child (unless a specific need has been discussed with staff) as we have limited storage space for this and have lots of spare clothes available if needed.
Finally, we look forward to getting to know you as we support your child together. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the team.
Thank you for your continued support!
Miss Smith, Mrs Hogarth and Mrs Moan.
Click on the link below to view the topics that will be taught this academic year.
Reception Curriculum Overview 2020
