“Roots to grow, wings to fly”

At Cherry Burton, our Reception provision is designed to nurture every child, giving them the confidence, skills, and curiosity to flourish in school and beyond. Children experience a happy, safe, and inspiring environment where learning is exciting, hands-on, and tailored to their individual interests.

Our Ethos

We aim to help children:

• Develop a love of learning and a natural curiosity about the world

• Grow resilient, confident, and independent learners

• Build strong foundations in communication, social skills, and physical development

• Thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through inclusive, high-quality teaching

Reception Aims

Throughout the year, we:

• Deliver engaging, high-quality teaching that inspires curiosity and creativity

• Provide a broad, balanced curriculum to equip children with essential knowledge and skills

• Foster strong partnerships with parents and carers to support children’s learning

• Celebrate individuality and ensure every child feels included

• Encourage positive learning behaviours, such as collaboration, problem-solving, and independence

Our Early Years Setting

• Nursery & Reception: Our Nursery (ages 3–4) and Reception (ages 4–5) are connected, with shared outdoor spaces and flow-through access to support smooth transitions.

• Outdoor Learning: Children enjoy extensive outdoor areas, climbing equipment, mud kitchens, and natural spaces for exploration.

• Safe, stimulating environment: Our classrooms and outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to support active, independent learning.

Curriculum Overview

We follow the latest EYFS statutory framework, focusing on 7 areas of learning:

Prime Areas

• Communication & Language

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development

• Physical Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts & Design

Learning is delivered through planned, purposeful play, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

Promoting Communication & Language

At Cherry Burton, we use the EEF SHREC model to support and enhance children’s communication and language development. This research-informed approach emphasises:

• Structured, high-quality talk: Adults model rich language, asking open-ended questions and encouraging children to explain, describe, and reflect.

• High Engagement: Children are actively involved in storytelling, role play, and group discussions.

• Repetition and Routine: Key vocabulary and sentence structures are revisited across activities to reinforce learning.

• Environment and Resources: Classrooms are language-rich, with displays, props, and interactive resources to spark conversation.

• Collaboration and Interaction: Children are supported to work together, take turns, and communicate effectively during group tasks and play.

Through this approach, children develop:

• Confidence in speaking and listening

• A rich vocabulary for reading and writing

• The ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly

• Strong social communication skills for collaborative learning

Special Features of Our Provision

Forest School

Our Forest School sessions give children opportunities to:

• Explore natural materials and seasonal changes

• Build dens and structures

• Take part in topic-linked outdoor activities

• Develop resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, and independence

Baking & Cooking

Each half term, children participate in baking or cooking experiences:

• Enhance fine motor skills through mixing, measuring, and kneading

• Learn maths skills like counting and weighing

• Understand healthy eating and nutrition

• Develop listening, following instructions, and teamwork

• All dietary needs and allergies are fully considered

Assessment & Progress

• Staff observe children daily to monitor learning, interests, and progress

• Parents contribute valuable insights to enrich assessments

• Children complete the Reception Baseline Assessment in the first six weeks

• At the end of the year, the EYFS Profile measures achievement across 17 Early Learning Goals

• Assessment data is moderated internally and with local schools to ensure accuracy

Working with Parents

We value strong partnerships with families:

• Regular communication via Class Dojo

• Updates on children’s progress and achievements

• Parent evenings and celebration events

• Open, ongoing dialogue to support each child’s learning journey

Why Cherry Burton Reception?

Children leave Reception at Cherry Burton with:

• A love of learning and curiosity for the world

• Strong social, emotional, and physical skills

• Confidence to explore, create, and solve problems

• The foundations for lifelong success

Our Reception is a nurturing, inspiring, and ambitious environment, giving children the roots to grow and the wings to fly.