EYFS

  Welcome to Red Class!

Welcome to Red Class

Welcome to Red Class, our Early Years classroom here at Ashperton Primary Academy—a vibrant, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child is encouraged to explore, discover and thrive.

Our Early Years team is led by Mrs Marriage, our Early Years Manager, who teaches Monday to Thursday, alongside Mrs Hassan, who teaches on Fridays. We are also incredibly fortunate to have Miss Cooper, our fantastic full-time teaching assistant, supporting the children every day. Together, we care for and guide our class of 25 amazing children, ensuring each one feels valued, supported and inspired in their learning.

 

In Red Class, our indoor and outdoor environments are equally important and carefully designed to support children’s development across all areas of learning. Our classroom is a stimulating, language-rich space filled with engaging resources that encourage curiosity, creativity and independence. Children can explore, investigate and learn through play, both independently and alongside adults.

Outdoors, learning continues in our beautiful, well-equipped outdoor area, where children can move freely between spaces, building their confidence, physical skills and imagination. From our decking area to the wider school grounds and fields, children enjoy rich opportunities to explore, problem-solve and collaborate.

A highlight of our provision is our weekly Forest School sessions, where we visit a beautiful local woodland. Here, children hunt for mini-beasts, build dens, climb, explore nature, and share special moments—like enjoying hot chocolate around the fire. These experiences nurture curiosity, resilience and a deep connection with the natural world.

Our topics are shaped by each cohort of children, beginning the year with “Marvellous Me!”, a theme that helps children settle, build relationships and develop a strong sense of self. As the year progresses, learning evolves based on children’s interests, ensuring it remains meaningful, engaging and relevant.

In Red Class, we love books and reading. Stories are at the heart of our day—whether in the classroom, outdoors, at Forest School or with our reading buddies.

At the start of the year, children bring home a book to share with an adult, helping them learn how to handle books, track text and talk about stories. Very soon as they develop their phonics knowledge, they begin taking home graded reading books to read independently. We also provide ‘tricky word’ keyrings to support learning at home.

We teach reading and writing through our Supersonic Phonics programme. As children learn new sounds (phonemes), they practise these both in school and at home using phonics booklets. It is always wonderful to see just how quickly their reading develops!

We place a strong emphasis on speaking, listening and vocabulary, giving children plenty of opportunities to talk, share ideas and explore new language.

In Red Class, we aim to 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 maths games sent home and the use of DoodleMaths.

We support children in developing the strength and coordination needed for writing and everyday tasks through fun and engaging movement activities.  These activities strengthen fine motor skills while making learning active and enjoyable.

Children also benefit from using our balance bikes, helping to develop balance, coordination and confidence. Weekly PE sessions provide further opportunities to build physical skills through games and structured activities.

Our children spend a significant amount of time learning outdoors—on our decking, in the forest, and across the school grounds. These experiences enrich learning, promote wellbeing and encourage exploration.

We also provide opportunities for first-hand experiences, visitors and trips, helping to broaden children’s understanding of the world and inspire awe and wonder.

We value strong partnerships with families. Each child has their own online learning journey using Seesaw, where photos, work and observations are shared. Parents can view, comment and contribute, creating a meaningful connection between home and school.

Weekly letters keep parents informed about learning and upcoming activities, enabling them to support their child’s development.

We also warmly welcome parent readers—if you have a DBS and are able to come into school to listen to children read, please get in touch.

Reading

Reading regularly at home is one of the most important ways to support your child’s development. Sharing books daily helps build language, confidence and a love of reading. Whether you are reading to your child or listening to them read, making it enjoyable and relaxed is key.

Phonics

As children learn new sounds, practising these at home supports their progress. Blending sounds together (e.g. c-a-t → cat) is an important skill that develops over time.

Maths

Maths is explored daily through practical activities. At home, you can support learning through games, counting, recognising shapes and using apps such as DoodleMaths.

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

• Mrs Marriage: emarriage@ashperton.hereford.sch.uk
• Mrs Hassan: rhassan@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.

• Baseline Assessment Dfe
• Letter Formation & Handwriting
• Parent Readers
• PHONICS
• READING
• Guide to Maths pdf 

Seesaw Parent Information