Reception and Year 1 at Swarland Primary School

In our class learning is dynamic, fun and engaging. Exploration and adventure are embedded throughout our learning opportunities.  Each child is unique and as such; we plan for their specific learning needs; consider how to support them; widen and deepen their understanding and identify ways in which to ensure challenge is built into their learning and development. We recognise that a child’s characteristics of effective learning are fundamental in how they play and explore; their active learning (motivation and concentration), and how they create and think critically across all areas of the curriculum.  

We plan our topics, drawing upon the children's interests along the way, to engage them, stimulate imagination and also strengthen their ability to ask questions. The ‘Observe, Assess and Plan Cycle’ is used consistently to adapt our curriculum to meet the childrens' emerging learning needs. This ensures that experiences, opportunities, resources and our learning environment are well matched and relevant.

In our indoor and outdoor environment, children are actively encouraged to make choices, manage their own risks, build independence, and positive relationships with those around them. The balance of free choice, child initiated play and exploration, and adult led directed activities shifts throughout the year according to development needs and progress towards readiness for their next class. 

Parents’ and carers’ expert knowledge of their children is greatly valued and information sharing is welcomed and encouraged at every available opportunity. In school, the childrens' learning is recorded both on Tapestry and in their books. We actively encourage parents to contribute to their child's Tapestry journal so that their achievements at home can combine to create a picture of the whole child. These can also create opportunities for the children to share these with the class.  

As any time of change brings uncertainty, we work hard to manage transition for our children with care and sensitivity.  We aim to prepare keen, enthusiastic learners with skills that will equip them for the next stage of their learning journey.