Otley and Witnesham Partnership

How we learn

In Class 1, a lot of the children’s learning is achieved through continuous provision. The classroom is set up with a range of ‘areas of provision’ which the children are able to access during independent learning time, which we call ‘Discovery Time’. The children are able to choose activities based on interests and this gives them time to rehearse and consolidate previously taught skills. An adult is often in the provision, to support the children, as well as challenge them.

Children will also work in small focus groups during adult-led time. For Reception, they will have one focus group of either reading/writing or maths a day. We are joined by Year 1 and Year 2 in the afternoons for the Wider Curriculum. 

How do we record our learning?

Reception children have their own online learning journey on Seesaw. Mrs Rookyard will post pictures of observations during independent learning time and some adult led work the children have completed. In line with the new early year’s curriculum, there may be less photos than in previous years. This is so the adults can spend more time with children in their independent learning, building relationships and challenging them!

A very exciting new resource in class 1, is that each child has their own iPad. This means that the children will record their own purposeful independent learning on their iPad. They will create their own learning journey!

Staff and communication

Their teacher is Mrs Rookyard for most of the week, with Mrs Kingston covering on Wednesdays. We are lucky to be supported by our fantastic teaching assistants Mrs Utteridge and Mrs Liddell (afternoons).

If you wish to contact the class teacher please send a ClassDojo message. You could also contact the school office if you wish to make an appointment to speak to your child’s teacher.

Celebrating our learning

We have many ways we celebrate our learning in Class 1. The children can earn a number of rewards such as stickers, dojos and certificates. Each Friday parents are invited to a celebration assembly at 9:10am in the school hall. Each week different children will be chosen for awards.

Homework

All children receive a phonics home learning sheet each week. This will keep you up to date on your child's phonics learning, as well as give you activities to practice at home!

In Year 1 and 2, each half term a homework grid will be sent home. It has a range of activities in a range of subjects. We have a special show and tell where the children share their home learning! Reception will have purposeful challenges sent home when appropriate.

Reading is very important to us in class 1! The children will have a reading diary, reading book and a library book to develop a love for reading. We expect the children to read 3 times a week. The children will read with an adult twice a week in reading groups. 

General notices

Class 1 has a no toy policy. However, if you feel your child may need a toy to help them with the transition please talk to Mrs Rookyard. 

Class 1 will do show and tell, if there is time, on a Thursday afternoon. This is a great opportunity for children to show off work, books and anything that is related to their learning. To respect our no toy policy, we please ask that toys are not brought in for show and tell.

We do lots of outdoor learning in any weather! Please make sure children have appropriate clothing e.g. hats and coats in colder months and sun hat in the summer months.

P.E day is Wednesday.  Please make sure all items (bags, bottles, jumpers…) are clearly named, so that we can easily reunite any missing items with their owners