Welcome to Red Class- EYFS

Starting school is a huge milestone, and we know that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make. At Ashperton Primary Academy, our Reception class is a warm, nurturing and exciting place where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish from their very first day.

 

 

Meet the Team

Our experienced Early Years team is passionate about giving every child the very best start to school.  We have two class teachers, Mrs Marriage who works Monday to Thursday and Miss Bushnell (our SENDco) who works Friday.  Both teachers work alongside our EYFS Teaching assistant and other teaching assistants who come to work in our classroom.  

Together, we create a caring environment where children feel safe, happy and confident to explore, ask questions and develop a lifelong love of learning. We take time to get to know every child as an individual, building strong relationships with both children and their families so that everyone feels part of the Ashperton community.

A Classroom Designed for Curious Minds

Our Reception classroom is a bright, welcoming and stimulating environment where learning happens through exploration, play and carefully planned teaching.

Children enjoy access to a wide range of engaging learning areas including:               

• A creative workshop

• Reading and storytelling spaces

• Small world and role play

• Construction and investigation areas

• Maths and writing opportunities

• Continuous access to our exciting outdoor learning environment

Our classroom is carefully organised to encourage independence, confidence and curiosity. Children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems and follow their own interests, while adults skilfully extend their learning through conversation, questioning and purposeful activities.

Learning Through Play

In Reception, children learn best when they are active, engaged and having fun.

Every day combines child-initiated exploration with carefully planned adult-led learning. Whether children are building a castle, hunting for minibeasts, creating artwork, cooking, investigating nature or sharing a favourite story, every experience is designed to develop their knowledge, confidence and independence.

Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and is built around the seven areas of learning, ensuring children develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically through meaningful experiences. High-quality books, outdoor learning and first-hand experiences inspire curiosity and help children make connections in their learning. 

There is always plenty of laughter, conversation and opportunities for children to become confident, independent learners.

Physical Development

We know that movement is fundamental to children's learning, wellbeing and overall development. In the Early Years, physical activity supports not only strength, balance and coordination, but also communication, concentration, confidence and readiness for learning.

Children have daily opportunities to develop both their gross and fine motor skills through carefully planned activities indoors and outdoors. Whether they are climbing, balancing, running, digging, building, riding bikes or exploring our outdoor environment, every experience helps to develop the physical foundations needed for future learning.

We support children in developing the strength, coordination and control needed for writing and everyday tasks through a range of fun, practical and engaging activities. From threading and construction to playdough, mark-making and other fine motor challenges, children strengthen the small muscles in their hands while enjoying purposeful play.

We use the Penpals handwriting scheme to introduce correct letter formation in a structured and age-appropriate way, helping children build confidence as they begin their writing journey.

Children also benefit from regular opportunities to use our balance bikes, developing their balance, coordination and core strength while growing in confidence and independence. Weekly PE lessons provide further opportunities to develop fundamental movement skills through games, gymnastics and structured physical activities, encouraging teamwork, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of being active.

Our spacious outdoor area and Forest School sessions encourage children to take managed risks, build resilience and develop a lifelong enjoyment of being active. We believe that children learn best when they are moving, exploring and engaging with the world around them, and we ensure that physical development is woven naturally throughout every day.

 

Outdoor Learning

We believe children learn just as much outside as they do inside.

Our outdoor environment is an extension of the classroom, providing opportunities to climb, investigate, build, create, explore nature and develop physical skills every day. Children also enjoy Forest School experiences, helping them develop resilience, teamwork and a love of the natural world. 

Learning to Read

Reading is at the heart of everything we do.

Children take part in daily phonics sessions, share stories every day and enjoy carefully chosen books that develop imagination, vocabulary and a love of reading. Our systematic phonics programme helps children become confident readers while making reading an enjoyable part of everyday life. 

Maths

In Red Class, we build confidence, understanding and enjoyment in mathematics. Through practical, engaging activities, children explore number, shape and problem-solving in meaningful ways.

We use NCETM Mastering Number alongside White Rose Maths, encouraging children to explain their thinking and deepen their understanding. Learning is supported further through home maths games created by Gerald our class giraffe and the use of DoodleMaths.

Working Together with Families

We know that children thrive when school and home work together, and we value the strong partnerships we build with our families from the very beginning of their child's school journey.

Each child has their own online learning journal through Seesaw, where we regularly share photographs, observations and examples of their learning. Parents and carers can view, comment on and contribute to their child's journal, creating a meaningful connection between home and school and celebrating every step of their progress.

We keep families informed through weekly newsletters, sharing what the children have been learning, upcoming topics and events, and ideas for how learning can be supported at home. We believe that keeping parents involved helps children feel confident, supported and proud of their achievements.

Reading is a key part of life in Reception, and we warmly welcome parent volunteers to come into school and listen to children read. If you have a current DBS check and are able to spare some time, we would love to hear from you. Your support makes a real difference to our young readers and helps strengthen our school community.

Our door is always open, and we are committed to building positive relationships with every family. Whether it's celebrating successes, answering questions or supporting children through new challenges, we work together to ensure every child has the very best start to their learning journey.

 

Why Choose Ashperton for Reception?

At Ashperton, Reception is much more than preparing children for Year 1.

It is about building confidence, nurturing curiosity and creating happy learners who can't wait to come to school each day.

Our children benefit from:

• A caring and experienced Early Years team

• A rich balance of play and purposeful teaching

• Excellent indoor and outdoor learning environments

• Forest School experiences

• A strong focus on reading, communication and wellbeing

• Close partnerships with families

• A safe, happy school where children thrive

We would be delighted to welcome you to Red Class and show you what makes Ashperton Primary Academy such a special place to begin your child's learning journey.

 

If you would like any further information or support, please do not hesitate to contact us:

• Mrs Marriage: emarriage@ashperton.hereford.sch.uk
• Miss Bushnell: cbushnell@ashperton.hereford.sch.uk 

 

At Ashperton, Red Class is a place where children feel safe, inspired and excited to learn—both indoors and outdoors—building strong foundations for their future learning journey.

 

• PHONICS & READING 
• Guide to Maths pdf 

Seesaw- Getting Started for Families