Reception at Micklefield

RECEPTION

AT MICKLEFIELD

‘Excellent in all areas’ ISI Inspection Report 2023

FROM THE HEAD OF EARLY YEARS

A

warm welcome to Micklefield School. As Head of the Reception and Nursery year groups, I know how important it is for your child to have the very best start to their educational journey. The essential foundations laid in their early years will help them develop a lifelong love of learning and a happy and successful life well beyond their school days.

In Reception at Micklefield, and across the whole school, your child’s happiness is fundamental to everything we do. By fostering their self-confidence and a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning of their time with us, your child will know that they are valued and thrive as a result.

As a teaching team, we are passionate about providing a holistic education tailored to your child’s individual needs, interests and skill sets. This is delivered through a rich and engaging curriculum that encourages exploration, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. We empower our youngest minds to be independent and make a positive impact on the world around them. We also have lots of fun!

This booklet has information about our unique Reception programme and the exciting opportunities and rich experiences that Micklefield School has to offer. I hope you find it useful, and I would be delighted to talk further with you at any time about what makes Micklefield School such a very special place.

Zoe Rule

Head of Early Years (Reception & Nursery)

WHY RECEPTION AT MICKLEFIELD?

An excellent teaching team and small class sizes – Our Reception teachers are highly experienced,

caring, and passionate about Early Years education. Excellent ratios mean they have the time to develop strong individual relationships, so each child feels secure, happy and confident to try new things – key ingredients for learning.

An innovative curriculum – Our curriculum captivates and excites the children whilst supporting them to

become well-rounded individuals. We bring learning to life through creative and varied opportunities outside the classroom and in our local community, making the children’s learning relevant and meaningful to their lives.

To extend learning further, we visit Gatton Park to solve nursery rhyme challenges, Box Hill with our Forest School teacher and enjoy theatre productions, Reigate library visits, and much more!

A school built on strong values – Our core values of Kindness, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience are at the heart of school life at Micklefield and are woven into everything we do. These values, fondly known as the KRs, are essential for developing the children’s character, moral compass and life skills.

Strong partnerships with families – We recognise that partnerships between teachers and families are

fundamental to a child’s successful school experience. We encourage parents to let us know if they have any concerns, no matter how small, and we are always very happy to arrange a meeting or chat informally at pick-up and drop-off.

THE SCHOOL STRUCTURE & SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Micklefield educates children from the age of 2 years and 6 months to 11 years old. To ensure the very best education and support for the children, the school has the following structure:

Lower School

Early Years Foundation Stage

Key Stage 1

Little Acorns

Children can join as they turn 2 years and 6 months old.

Kindergarten (Oak and Willow)

The pre-school year. Children can join mid-year if spaces become available.

Reception

The first year of ‘big’ school. Children move up from Nursery or join Reception classes directly in the September, before they turn 5 years old.

Years 1&2

Children move up from Reception. Places sometimes become available for direct entry into these year groups.

Upper School

Key Stage 2

Years 3–6

Occasional places become available for direct entry into these year groups.

Reception is made up of two classes. Most children move up from the Nursery and are joined by children coming from other settings. The transition tends to be easy and seamless and is supported by our Reception Readiness Programme (RRP).

This is based on years of experience as well as Early Years research on the importance of a happy start to school life. Our RRP begins in the summer term and includes: • An early information pack for parents with lots of useful advice and details about school life; • Comprehensive drop-in sessions for your child to stay, play, and meet their new teachers so they become familiar with their new surroundings; • A Welcome to Reception picnic for families to make friends with their new classmates; • A Welcome to Reception Parents’ Information Evening to introduce the curriculum and wellbeing programme.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Characteristics of Effective Learning are uniquely important as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development. These characteristics underpin our provision and practice, supporting positive learning behaviours and attitudes in our Reception classes.

1 Playing and Exploring

2 Active Learning and Creating

3 Thinking Critically These characteristics encourage children to engage fully in their experiences, fostering curiosity and resilience.

Playing and exploring enables children to investigate their environment and develop a sense of wonder, while active learning allows them to find motivation and persist in challenges.

Creating and thinking critically supports them to problem-solve and make connections, enhancing cognitive skills. By nurturing these characteristics, our staff can cultivate and enrich the learning landscape so that it promotes emotional, social and intellectual growth, and prepares children for future academic success and personal development.

The Characteristics of Effective Learning can also be identified by children’s engagement, motivation in their learning and by demonstrating their thinking.

1

2

3

Engagement

Motivation

Thinking

THE CURRICULUM In Reception, the curriculum is based on the final phase of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

As an independent school, we further design and extend the curriculum to add breadth and creativity and to reflect Micklefield’s unique values.

“Our aim is to inspire a love of learning, encouraging children to explore, ask questions, and develop their individual talents.”

Ria Merriman, Reception teacher

“Pupils throughout the school are consistently enthusiastic about all aspects of school life.”

ISI Report 2023

ENGLISH PHONICS In Reception, our phonics teaching programme, Read Write Inc., supports children’s fluency, confidence, and most importantly, turns them into inspired readers! The children benefit from daily 1:1 reading, are assessed regularly and regrouped so that each child can learn at their own pace, being stretched or supported accordingly.

“The school fully meets its aim to equip pupils with a life-long love for learning.”

ISI Report 2023

“We support our families through curriculum parent information evenings, resources and parent workshops, which are designed to support phonics teaching and accelerate progress in early reading and writing.”

Ryan Ardé, Headmaster

WRITING We support children’s writing development through a strong foundation in phonics, helping them connect sounds to letters and words. Teachers provide structured support, or scaffolding, to ensure that every child can progress at their own pace, regardless of their starting point.

We make writing fun and engaging, encouraging children to express themselves through various activities. Writing is also linked across different subjects, so children can practice and apply their skills in meaningful ways throughout the day.

“Small, inclusive, and a strong family vibe, this prep school is a great option for those who believe values are as important as academics.”

Muddy Stilettos 2024

“Pupils have an outstanding command of numerical and wider mathematical concepts.”

ISI Report 2023

MATHS In Reception, we focus on capturing the children’s interests through daily practical maths lessons that support mathematical inquiry, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking skills.

In our Reception, we use a maths mastery approach to teaching, which focuses on helping children develop a deep and thorough understanding of mathematics. This approach ensures that children not only learn key concepts but also have the opportunity to explore maths further through engaging practical activities and problem-solving. Using a variety of rich resources, we encourage children to investigate numbers, shapes, and patterns in meaningful ways. This solid foundation nurtures their curiosity and builds the confidence they need as they continue their mathematical journey.

“Children make rapid progress, with a greater percentage than average attaining national expectations by the end of their time in the EYFS.” ISI Report 2023

SCIENCE & STEM Science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are taught through hands-on, playful learning that encourages curiosity and discovery. Children engage in practical activities such as building bridges with blocks to explore basic engineering, growing plants to observe life cycles, and conducting simple water experiments to understand the properties of materials.

“The school fully meets its aim to develop happy well-rounded children.”

ISI Report 2023

These activities are often done in groups, fostering collaboration and communication as children work together to solve problems and test their ideas. We also emphasise perseverance by encouraging children to try different approaches when their first attempts don’t work.

By connecting these concepts to the real world, like observing the weather or learning about animals, they begin to see how STEM is part of their everyday lives, making learning both relevant and exciting.

COMPUTING & IT Children have regular opportunities to use a variety of IT resources to support their learning. They begin exploring basic coding concepts through fun, hands-on activities with resources like ‘Bluebots’, where they can program simple commands. Children also use devices such as iPads to capture and explore their learning in creative ways.

As they progress, they get the chance to engage with an introductory programming tool called Scratch, which helps build key skills in coding in an age-appropriate and engaging manner. These activities lay the groundwork for confident and curious IT explorers.

LANGUAGES In Reception, the children have a weekly French lesson, where they learn to build confidence in speaking the language through fun, engaging and interactive activities. We cover the core language of greetings, introductions, feelings, numbers and colours. We then move on to exciting themes such as In the Jungle, Under the Sea, Mini-beasts and Transport. Each theme is built around a fun French song which the children love to learn.

In addition to French, we also offer a Spanish Club before school on Thursdays.

“Children in Early Years settle in and become at ease as a result of the very encouraging and cheerful manner of staff and effective use of humour that relaxes children.”

ISI Report 2023

GAMES & PE Our Reception children benefit from specialist PE lessons with dedicated sports teachers twice per week. In these sessions, they further develop their fundamental movement skills such as agility balance and coordination. In our games sessions, there is a greater focus on developing skills around key sports, while continuing to promote teamwork and communication.

Through fun games and playful movement, our Reception children learn to take turns, and develop resilience as they navigate both successes and challenges.

THE ARTS MUSIC & DRAMA In Reception, children are introduced to the basics of music and drama in a fun and engaging way. In music, they explore different sounds and rhythms through singing, clapping and playing simple instruments, which helps develop their listening skills and sense of timing. They also begin to read basic musical notation and play rhythm games. Throughout the year, they learn a variety of songs to perform at special events such as our Harvest Celebration, Nativity and school assemblies, which builds their confidence and sense of achievement.

In drama, children engage in imaginative play, role-playing, and storytelling, fostering their creativity, communication skills, and confidence. They learn poetry for performance and memorise lines for their class assembly, which enhances their ability to express themselves and work as a team. These activities encourage teamwork and social interaction, as children often work together in groups to create and perform. Overall, music and drama in Reception provide a foundation for artistic expression and help children develop a range of important skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment.

ART Art is taught as an exciting and creative way for children to explore their imagination while developing important skills. Through activities such as painting, drawing and crafting, children experiment with different materials and techniques, helping them build fine-motor skills and express their unique ideas. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing their excitement and pride as they create and share their artwork, eager to show what they’ve accomplished. Whether working individually or collaboratively, these experiences foster confidence, self-expression and a sense of achievement, all while contributing to their overall development.

OUTDOOR LEARNING

We take the children outside at every opportunity and we have a bespoke outdoor curriculum overseen by our Forest School teacher. We make the most of every opportunity to get on our wellies and explore our expansive five-acre field as well as visiting Box Hill and exploring our own outdoor nature areas.

Children take part in field-to-fork style activities involving growing and investigating the natural world.

“In the summer term, our Lower School children visit the field each day for lunchtime play, where they enjoy den building and outdoor resources.”

Natasha Leuchter, Reception teacher

SUSTAINABILITY

At Micklefield School, we are proud of our commitment to helping the planet. Our goal is to support the children to be environmentally minded and to become Global Citizens.

We help the children to reach beyond the school to the wider community and we teach them to recognise that they can be change makers.

We are very proud to be recognised as an Eco School.

“Our proudest moments are when children organise their own initiatives such as fundraising, litter picks or sharing their global concerns with the wider community. Children’s actions are praised, celebrated and shared at our school so that they can inspire others and feel a sense of pride for the difference they can make.”

“You have made an outstanding effort to expand your amazing work into the wider community.

Your successes are impressive.

You have achieved so much in a short time. You have motivated children, stirring a passion within.”

Eco School Award Feedback 2024

Natalie Easton, Science teacher

Distinction | 2024-2025

Distinction | 2024-25

“Pupils conveyed an outstanding willingness to overcome any setbacks, look positively at their achievement and learn from any mistakes.”

ISI Report 2023

“It is so lovely to see our Year 2 playtime helpers (Red Caps) interacting with the younger children in a caring and kind way. This fosters a sense of connectedness and inspires a strong sense of community spirit.”

Fiona Yarde, Head of Lower School

WELLBEING

At Micklefield, the children’s happiness and overall wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Our comprehensive wellbeing programme is woven into everyday life and aims to ensure the children feel confident and secure, know the importance of being kind and caring, have close relationships with staff and learn to lead a balanced and happy life.

Our core values (the KRs – Kindness, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience) are fundamental to this. Reception children are introduced to them through PSHE lessons, assemblies and class discussions. We have a whole-school programme called ‘Everyone is Welcome’, which begins in the Early Years. It helps the children to understand that each individual is unique and that neurodiversity can be a super power. The programme also creates for the children an all-important sense of belonging to the wider school community.

“Pupils exhibit entirely inclusive attitudes and a deep appreciation of diversity.”

ISI Report 2023 In Reception, the children explore mindfulness through themed circle time activities and group work. A Growth Mindset approach supports the Reception children’s wellbeing by helping them to navigate challenges and build resilience as they start their journey to independent learning.

Each term, Year 6 children support Reception by helping the children hang up their bags and coats when they arrive at school. Year 2 pupils act as outside playtime helpers and wear red caps so younger children know who they are and that they are there to support them. These small things help the Reception classes to get to know the older children and to quickly feel part of the Micklefield family.

WRAPAROUND CARE & EXTRACURRICULAR

We offer Wraparound Care from 7.30am to 6.00pm every day and exciting holiday clubs (through our partnership with Ultimate Activity Camps) during the school breaks.

TERM TIME Breakfast Club (payable) – from 7.30am to 8.00am gives parents an option to drop children before

the start of the school day. Children have a light breakfast and enjoy quiet activities before joining their classmates at 8.00am.

After-School Club (payable) – from 3.30–6.00pm divided into two sessions. The first session includes

a light snack and the second session a nourishing tea. There are lots of activities on offer.

Sibling Care (free of charge) – from 3.15–3.30pm. The school day ends for Reception children at 3.15 pm.

However, children with a sibling in the Upper School can attend the late room from 3.15–3.30pm.

Extracurricular – Reception children can also take part in clubs run by external providers who visit the

school each week. The providers charge separately for these. As the children progress into Year 1 and above, there is an extensive range of extracurricular activities that they can take part in every day.

Clubs run by staff are free and clubs run by external providers will be separately payable.

HOLIDAYS We have partnered with Ultimate Activity Camps who offer engaging holiday programmes in our buildings and grounds during the Easter and summer breaks. They have a strong reputation for high-quality provision that is engaging and fun. The camps are separately bookable via the Ultimate Activity Camps website: www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/reigate.

THE MICKLEFIELD COMMUNITY

We have a wonderful school community and parents are regularly invited to assemblies, curriculum evenings, sports days and musical performances. In Reception, parents are also invited to information meetings, workshops and seasonal events such as ‘Someone Special’.

Our active parents’ association, Friends of Micklefield, organise fantastic social and fundraising events for both children and parents. These include a Christmas fair, school discos, quiz nights, after-school movies, a summer ball, and the extremely popular summer fair called Micklefest! These events are enjoyed by everyone and help to build a wonderfully supportive Micklefield family.

“Our Reception calendar includes termly ‘Someone Special’ events, where we dedicate an afternoon to inviting in a different member of our children’s families. These events, provide a wonderful opportunity for us to share and celebrate the children’s successes, to experience fun-filled learning together and to make wonderful memories to treasure.”

Zoe Rule, Head of Early Years

(Reception)

Read, Write Inc.

Hymn Practice

Lower School Celebration Assembly

Fine Motor /Cutting Skills Activities

W

T

F

Guided Reading

(Reception)

Read, Write Inc.

(Reception)

Read, Write Inc.

(Reception)

T

(Music Room)

Music

(Reception)

Snack

Snack

(Reception)

(Reception)

(Reception)

Read, Write Inc.

Fine Motor /Cutting Skills Activities

(Reception)

Maths

Read, Write Inc.

10.10–10.30 Morning Break

Calendar & Morning Introduction

08.50 – 09.05

Shared: News / Topic/Story

09.0 5 – 09.10

M

09:40–10.10

09.10 –09.40

Maths

PE

(Reception)

(Reception)

Handwriting

Literacy Topic

(HC Hall)

Maths

(Reception)

(Reception)

Maths

PE

11.30 –12.00

(HC Hall)

11.00–11.30

(Reception)

(Reception)

Snack

Music

(Music Room)

Snack

(Reception)

(Reception)

French

10.30–11.00

12.00–13.15 Lunch Break

Reception Butterflies Timetable

Independent Learning

(Reception)

RE/ PSED

(Reception)

Circle Time

(Reception)

RE/ PSED

(Reception)

Understanding the World

(Reception)

Independent Learning / Readers

Topic

(Reception / Field)

Independent Learning / Forest School

(Reception)

Independent Learning / Readers

(Reception)

Independent Learning / STEM

(Reception)

(Reception)

13.45–14.45

13.15–13.45

14.45–15.05 Snack & Story Time (Reception)

EXAMPLE TIMETABLE: RECEPTION 15.05–15.15 End of Day Prep & Home Time

“I am thrilled with how Micklefield has helped my daughter settle into Reception. The teachers have been fantastic, providing a warm and nurturing environment. The sessions before term started were incredibly helpful, allowing both her and us as parents to ease into this transition. Information provided was clear and supported, making us feel involved and informed.

Remarkably, despite normally taking a long time to adjust to changes, within the first week she was already happy and flourishing. We couldn’t ask for a better start to her school journey.” Reception parent

Micklefield School, 10 Somers Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9DU 01737 224 212 | admissions@micklefieldschool.co.uk www.micklefieldschool.co.uk MicklefieldSchoolReigate micklefield_prep