Yew Tree Community School

Reception 

At Yew Tree Community school, we have used the Early Years Framework and development matters to create a curriculum for our children. We plan an exciting and challenging thematic curriculum based on high quality books. Each half term, children dive into new texts as they investigate a theme. For example, People who help us and Dragons & Castles. The children have daily phonics, maths and literacy lessons which follows the EYFS framework guidance.

At Yew Tree Community School, we have developed our own literacy curriculum based on the EYFS framework. Each half term has a key theme with high quality texts linked to each theme. The children will then frequently revisit this text across the year. It is crucial for children to develop a life-long love of reading. At Yew Tree, we follow the Little Wandle phonics scheme to support the children with their reading skills.  

We model the application of the alphabetic code through phonics in shared reading and writing, both inside and outside of the phonics lesson and across the curriculum. We have a strong focus on language development for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects. This enables the children to become fluent and confident readers. We teach phonics for up to 25 minutes a day. In Reception, we build from 10-minute lessons, with additional daily oral blending games, to the full-length lesson by the end of Autumn 1. Each Friday, we review the week’s teaching to help children become fluent readers. Children make a strong start in Reception: teaching begins in Week 2 of the Autumn term. Children in Reception are taught to read and spell words using Phase 2 and 3 GPCs and words with adjacent consonants (Phase 4) with fluency and accuracy. 

Maths

At Yew Tree Community school, we follow White Rose Maths. This is a scheme that we use throughout the school. As they learn about numbers, counting, problem solving, pattern, shape and spatial reasoning through fun games and activities, children develop positive attitudes towards maths and an enthusiasm for learning. They will then continue with this scheme in KS1 & KS2.

Knowledge mats 

Each half term, parents are sent home  a knowledge mat including a summary of what their children will be learning each half term. On this knowledge mat, we share QR codes for parents to scan and access the texts that their child will be learning in class. This creates a connection between school and parents so that they know what their child is learning. This is also shared with parents on tapestry. 

Please read our curriculum overview that outlines what your children will be learning in Reception.