Welcome to Hedgehogs Class - Year R
‘Hedgehogs’ is our Reception class, which welcomes our youngest learners. Here, we focus on child-centred learning in a playful and nurturing environment. Children explore the curriculum through a balanced range of activities that builds confidence, foster independence and a love for learning- all whilst making friends in their class an beyond (helped by their Year 6 buddies).
Useful Information
Reception is a joyful and nurturing start to school life. In our Early Years classroom and outdoor area, children learn through play, exploration, and exciting experiences that help them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
In Reception, children will:
Settle into school routines in a safe and supportive environment
Make new friends and learn how to share, take turns, and work together
Develop early reading and writing skills through daily phonics (using the Little Wandle scheme), storytelling, and mark-making
Explore numbers, counting, patterns, shapes, and simple problem-solving through hands-on maths activities following the White Rose scheme
Learn about the world around them – from seasons and weather to animals, celebrations and their local community and people who help them
Build communication and language skills through talk, role play, songs, and stories
Express themselves creatively through art, music, movement, and imaginative play
Enjoy outdoor learning every day, building physical skills and a love of nature and take part in forest school every week from term 2, in our onsite forest school
Take part in Collective Worship and learn about kindness, friendship, and Christian values
At St Katharine’s, our Reception class is a place where children feel valued, loved, and excited to learn. By the end of the year, they are confident, happy learners – ready for the adventures of Year 1
Curriculum
We create Year R curriculum maps each term to help families understand what their children will be learning. These maps give a clear overview of the topics and subjects covered, making it easier for parents and carers to support learning at home. By sharing these maps at the start of each term, we aim to keep everyone informed and involved in the exciting learning journey throughout the year. We always aim to go above and beyond the expectations of the Early Years National Curriculum, details of which can be found here.
Assessment
In Reception, assessment is a natural part of everyday learning. It helps us understand what your child can do, how they are developing, and what support or challenge they may need next. Most importantly, it’s used to help every child feel proud of their progress and excited to keep learning.
How We Assess:
Ongoing Observations – our highly-trained staff watch, listen and interact with children as they play and learn, making notes of their achievements and next steps.
Learning Through Play – much of our assessment happens during play, where children show what they know in real and meaningful ways.
Phonics Monitoring – we keep track of early reading and phonics skills throughout the year to make sure each child is developing strong foundations for reading.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework – we assess children across key areas such as communication and language, personal development, literacy, maths, and understanding the world.
Reception Baseline Assessment – this is a short, informal check of early literacy, language and maths skills, completed one-to-one with the teacher in the first six weeks of starting school (a national requirement for all Reception children).
How We Share and Celebrate Progress:
Tapestry – we send regular updates so make sure you have signed up!
Parent Consultations – held in the autumn and spring terms to talk about how your child is settling and progressing, and how you can support them at home.
End-of-Year Report – in July, you’ll receive a written report summarising your child’s progress across all areas of learning and personal development.
Everyday Conversations – We value strong partnerships with families. Please don’t hesitate to speak to any member of the Reception team if you have any questions or concerns – we’re always happy to chat.
At St Katharine’s, our approach to assessment reflects our Christian values: it’s not about comparison, but about celebrating each child’s unique journey. We believe every child is full of potential, and we’re here to help them grow, thrive, and feel proud of who they are.
Homework
Daily reading of decodable reading books (online) – to an adult (5 x 10 mins) and sharing books
Later in the year – letter and number formation (up to 10 mins spread across the week)
Suggested Book List
With so many great new books being published each year, rather than provide a list that might soon become out of date, we recommend you look at the following sites, visit your local library (librarians are a great source of up-to-date information) or ask at a high-quality bookshop such as Sevenoaks Bookshop, where they have a member of staff dedicated to children’s literature.
Year R Books for Topics – Recommended Reads
Reading for pleasure tube map (ideas for the future as these are a little above the Reception age group)
The books on these lists cover a wide range of genres and reading levels, supporting children as they build confidence, explore big ideas, and grow into thoughtful, resilient individuals. Not all will be suitable for every reader and, if you would like advice with book choices, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Meet the Teacher
We get up to so much in Hedgehogs Class!
Documents
Curriculum Maps
Join Hedgehogs Class Today!
We have space in our Year R class. If you’re thinking about moving your child to our school for any reason, please get in touch.