Student smiling

THIS IS OURPre-Reception & Reception

Children aged 3 to 5 years old enjoy a nurturing, joyous whole-child education in a family-feel environment.

Our two-year Reception stage provides joy and wonder, with child-led learning designed to channel young children’s natural curiosity. As they grow, each child’s Key Person will carefully and naturally introduce early phonics and number sessions, laying the foundations for future learning.

We offer more opportunities to develop independence and decision-making skills such as choosing a healthy snack, or selecting lunch from the choices on offer in the main school restaurant. Children also learn about care and responsibility by caring for our indoor rabbits.

Through Discovery Time, Reception children engage in creative play and exploration, developing essential skills to become confident authors, enthusiastic readers, and creative problem solvers. Adult interactions are minimal and respectful, especially when young learners are deeply engaged!

Two students hugging and laughing

 

Child-led learning designed to channel young children’s natural curiosity

 

Transitioning to Reception

As the children progress, small groups engage in more structured lessons, including specialist teaching in languages, with each child supported so they can develop a genuine love of learning.

Small groups join the classroom next door to Reception, so the surroundings are familiar and they feel comfortable.


"Early years staff have high expectations of what children can achieve. They understand how children learn and develop and provide engaging learning opportunities, such as sharing stories and singing. This results in children gaining knowledge and developing their communication skills. They follow instructions successfully. The school’s well-resourced and presented early years learning environment fosters curiosity."ISI Inspection, 2024

 

Why Parents Choose Sherfield Pre-Reception & Reception

  • Beautiful 76-acre countryside setting with dedicated facilities and play areas
  • Small class sizes and qualified teacher time in Pre-Reception
  • Child-led learning grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum 
  • Minimal transitions, helping children build secure relationships and friendships
  • Strong parent partnerships and Key Person approach
  • Shared Pre-Reception and Reception spaces 
  • Subject-specialist teachers
  • Daily after-school Clubs, such as Lego Legends, Move and Groove, and sports (Reception Only)
  • Specialist-led outdoor learning provision
  • Excellent, healthy meals cooked on the premises
Two yound children sitting on outdoor furniture
Two children reading comics outside
Young child crawling on astroturf

A Typical Day in Reception

Time Activity
08:25 Registration and Discovery Time
08:40 Phonics Session
08:50 Discovery Time with Shared Writing Groups
10:00 Choir Session
10:35 Discovery Time with Music Groups
11:00 Story Time
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Registration and Maths Meeting
12:50 Discovery Time with Maths Meeting Groups
13:50 Library Visit
14:15 Discovery Time with Inspired Book from Library Groups
15:15 End of School / Pick Up or Registration for Clubs
16:15 After School Club Finish / Pick Up
16:30 – 18:00 Reception to Year 2 Cosy Club (Bookable)

 


"Teaching in the early years is appropriately personalised to meet children’s needs. This enables children to make good progress from their starting points."ISI Inspection, 2024

 

Early Years Educational Philosophy Early Years Fees