Early Years Foundation Stage - Reception 
The Reception Unit at Croft is a busy, bright and exciting place to learn. We have two classes, and sometimes we learn separately and sometimes we all get together. We offer a wide range of playful learning activities, which cover all areas of the curriculum. The children can access this learning both indoors and outdoors.
Every day, we have a whole class phonics session, a maths session, topic time and shared reading. Throughout the school day there is a balance of adult led and also child-initiated activities, where the children can follow their own interests and ideas. We actively foster the Characteristics of Effective Learning in our children, encouraging them to explore, be confident, concentrate, persevere, be self-motivated, and 'have a go'.
Ultimately, we want all the children to settle quickly, feel happy and secure, be kind friends to each other and enjoy learning.
New starters 2026 - 2027
The Childrens Toothbrushing Guide
The Potty Training GuideWhat makes our EYFS special?
What Makes our Reception Year Special?
Child-Centred Learning
We believe every child is unique and we place them at the heart of everything we do. By observing and understanding your child’s interests, our team plans a broad and balanced curriculum that allows them to explore their own ideas. We actively foster the Characteristics of Effective Learning, encouraging every child to be self-motivated, to "have a go," and to develop the resilience needed to reach their full potential.
A Caring and Inclusive Environment
The Reception unit is a bright, busy, and safe space where children feel secure and valued from day one. We are committed to helping every child settle quickly and build positive, kind friendships. By providing a nurturing environment, we ensure that children feel confident to step out of their comfort zones, take risks in their learning, and grow into happy, independent individuals.
Purposeful Learning Through Play
We know that children learn best when they are engaged and excited. Our curriculum is built on a careful balance of adult-led sessions—such as phonics, maths, and shared reading—and child-initiated play. Whether working indoors or exploring our outdoor area, children have the freedom to discover, create, and build their understanding of the world through meaningful, play-based experiences.
Strong Partnerships with Families
We recognise parents and carers as a child’s first and most important educators. We value our close relationship with you and believe that by working in partnership, we can best support your child’s unique journey. We look forward to sharing in your child’s milestones, celebrating their progress, and working together to ensure they thrive during their time with us at Croft.
Areas of Learning
In line with the EYFS Framework, our provision supports children across seven areas of learning and development:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Growing and Thriving
Growing and Thriving
Our dedicated team supports children to:
-
Build Positive Relationships: Develop the social skills to make new friends, collaborate, and feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
-
Grow in Independence and Resilience: Build the confidence to self-regulate, manage their own needs, and confidently lead their own learning.
-
Explore, Discover, and Connect: Engage deeply with language and literacy, develop mathematical thinking, and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them.
-
Express Themselves Creatively: Communicate their thoughts and ideas through vibrant opportunities in art, design, music, and imaginative role-play.
Most importantly, we want your child to love coming to school each day, developing a lifelong passion for learning.
Key documents