What Makes Reception at Clifton College Unique?
Reception is not only the start of your child’s school journey, it is the start of their leap towards autonomy and forms a firm foundation for all future learning. At Clifton College we ensure the transition into Reception is smooth yet exciting for both parents and children alike. We have created an environment where children feel happy, safe and valued at all times.
The Reception year is a transformative year, during which many milestones are reached and celebrated. It is all about setting the foundational cogs which spiral right the way through the school, from independently crossing the threshold at the beginning of the day, establishing positive routines, building meaningful friendships, to developing a myriad of skills through our varied, child and adult-led curriculum.
A unique feature of Reception at Clifton College is our small class sizes. The intimate ratio of pupils to staff ensures a fantastic tailored provision, and a chance to really all get to know one another. Our experienced teachers have the capacity and dedication to be able to establish nurturing, caring relationships with pupils which consequently encourages kind, curious, courageous individuals, confident in their ability to take rewarding risks.
At Clifton College we don’t underestimate the importance of establishing strong parent partnerships, both with staff members, and together as a united body. We understand that a positive start to this exciting journey into the education system is just as fundamental to parents, as it is to their children.
One of the key principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is about building up a positive partnership between school and home to ensure that the child’s wellbeing is at the centre of everything that we do. In order to complement this, parents are regularly invited into school for special events. These may include; ‘Stay and Play’ sessions where you can spend time with your child in their learning environment; tea parties for Mother’s Day; Christmas events; reading stories in your home language and many more.
Teachers are available to talk to parents each day, and frequently share pictures and information for an inclusive learning experience. Close connections with parents are invaluable in order to create the most effective partnership between home and school, and you will always find a welcome here.
What does a typical day/week look like?
In Reception at Clifton College, no two weeks are ever the same. Children develop more in this foundational year than any other school year, and their days and weeks are configured with this in mind. The childrens’ weeks change as the year goes on, and the children develop key skills in order to be able to take on bigger and better responsibilities, activities and more structured lessons.
We strive to be an active part of the local community, and with this comes lots of opportunities for interesting visits from all walks of life. From Authors that can share their works with the children and inspire creativity, to Police arriving in their full uniform blaring their van sirens in the playground to rouse curiosity and a further understanding of the world we live in, no two weeks are truly ever the same.
Clifton College was awarded Healthy School Status back in 2011 and our wonderful catering company and staff continue to ensure that food is a big source of enjoyment during the school day. Snack time is a sociable part of every day, when the children enjoy the chance to chat with their friends and can use their new decision making skills to choose between milk, water, fruit, cheese and crackers. A cooked lunch is provided for all children, with a wide choice of hot and cold options that meet all dietary requirements.