Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back after the half term break and to share with you some of the exciting things happening in Reception this term. Our topic is Celebrations, and we will be exploring different festivals and special occasions together.

A highlight of this half term will be our Nativity performances on Wednesday 10th December. You should already have received an email with further details. We are very excited to share this special event with you and look forward to seeing you there.

We continue to encourage the children to be independent in their daily routines. Please support this at home by practising skills such as; recognising their names in jumpers/cardigans and coats, hanging up coats on a hanger, fastening zips and removing and putting on shoes and socks. These small steps make a big difference to their confidence and independence in school. As the weather starts to get colder, your child may wish to bring in a hat and gloves. Please ensure that these are clearly labelled and please practice with your child to put on their gloves independently.

There will be a staff member at the gate each morning to take any messages for the class teacher. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to the class teacher at the end of the school day or please contact the school office.

A few little reminders:

• Please ensure your child brings their book bag to school every day.
• Fruit for morning break should be in a named bag. As many children have similar bags, a clear label or keyring helps them to identify their own easily.
• Children need fruit, coats and a water bottle EVERY day please.
• Children should bring a water bottle with a sports cap to drink in the classroom.
• Library day is Monday. Please ensure books are returned on this day so your child can borrow a new one. Lost books are charged at £5.
• Reading books should be returned every Wednesday in your child’s book bag.
• PE days are Tuesday and Thursday. Please ensure long hair is tied back and all clothing is clearly labelled. Earrings should either be removed or taped up for safety.

Your child is continuing to develop their phonic knowledge through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds programme. Weekly flashcards and tricky words are sent home to practise, along with letter formation sheets.

We also encourage you to check Tapestry regularly for home learning ideas and updates in the Memos section. We love to see the children’s home learning uploaded as an observation. Children receive certificates when they have uploaded a number of pieces each half term, and they thoroughly enjoy sharing their work with the class.

Thank you for your support,

The Year R Teaching Team