Reception: Further Information
As a larger than average primary school we have two classes in each year group. This enables us to plan and work
collaboratively within each year group and share resources and expertise between teaching staff.
collaboratively within each year group and share resources and expertise between teaching staff.
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Our bright and spacious Reception department admits up to 60 children each year. The unit has three indoor areas and a large and secure outside area with its own canopy. The children are assigned to one of two class bases with their own teacher, who work alongside teaching assistants. Throughout the day children use all work areas to access the full range of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The curriculum provides opportunities for teaching and learning through planned purposeful play and supported child initiated activities both indoors and outdoors, alongside teacher initiated and led activities.
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We offer a flexible induction into Reception designed around the child’s particular needs and work closely with parents and carers to ensure children receive a smooth and comfortable induction or transition into school. Reception staff liaise closely with parents to settle children into new routines and ensure they have a happy start to their school experience.
Set in over six acres of mature parkland, the school buildings have been developed to provide a rich and stimulating learning environment. All classrooms have their own dedicated reading space and interactive plasma screen. We also have practical activity areas, learning support rooms, libraries and many additional dedicated spaces for activities such as music, drama and a fully-equipped IT suite with computers for a whole class. Outside, in addition to our extensive playing fields, we have areas developed for children to engage in learning or to spend quieter playtimes. These include shady woods, a “quiet garden” and even our very own apiary.
Set in over six acres of mature parkland, the school buildings have been developed to provide a rich and stimulating learning environment. All classrooms have their own dedicated reading space and interactive plasma screen. We also have practical activity areas, learning support rooms, libraries and many additional dedicated spaces for activities such as music, drama and a fully-equipped IT suite with computers for a whole class. Outside, in addition to our extensive playing fields, we have areas developed for children to engage in learning or to spend quieter playtimes. These include shady woods, a “quiet garden” and even our very own apiary.
All children in Reception to Year 2 are entitled to a free hot school meal and our onsite kitchen provides freshly prepared meals; we offer a choice of lunch options that provide a nutritionally balanced menu made from locally sourced and quality ingredients.
Wrap around care is available on our site every school day and through the school holidays too, using playgrounds and rooms the children are already familiar with (there is a charge for this provision).
What Ofsted said about Heron Hill School after their inspection in January 2018:
“Teachers are successful in providing a rich and varied curriculum which offers children the chance to learn effectively both indoors and outdoors.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and make good progress as a result.”
“The school site is safe and secure.”
“Governors and staff complete regular safeguarding training and are very clear on their responsibilities to keep pupils safe.”
“All members of staff place great emphasis on the mental health of pupils and create opportunities to enhance well-being.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and make good progress as a result.”
“The school site is safe and secure.”
“Governors and staff complete regular safeguarding training and are very clear on their responsibilities to keep pupils safe.”
“All members of staff place great emphasis on the mental health of pupils and create opportunities to enhance well-being.”
What parents and carers said in 2019 (in the annual questionnaire):
“Fantastic staff, the school is safe and welcoming and the children are happy!”
“In my opinion Heron Hill School excels with its commitment to academia as well as its approach to inclusion and interest of individual child and parents’ needs.”
“Tapestry is good, being able to see what our children are doing at school.”
“Good extra/outside of school hours' activities.”
“We feel we made the right decision for our child, choosing Heron Hill.”
“In my opinion Heron Hill School excels with its commitment to academia as well as its approach to inclusion and interest of individual child and parents’ needs.”
“Tapestry is good, being able to see what our children are doing at school.”
“Good extra/outside of school hours' activities.”
“We feel we made the right decision for our child, choosing Heron Hill.”
