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Reception

As your child progresses through Reception, it’s important to understand the key learning expectations across different areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. Below is a guide to the skills and knowledge your child is expected to develop by the end of Reception.

1. Reading

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Develop a love of reading: Children should show an interest in books and enjoy listening to stories. They should be able to talk about the characters, events, and settings in the stories they hear.

  • Recognise letters and sounds: Children should begin to recognise the letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make (phonics). They should start blending these sounds to read simple words and sentences.

  • Understand simple texts: Children should be able to retell a familiar story and answer simple questions about the text, such as "What happened first?" or "How did the character feel?"

  • Begin to recognise high-frequency words: Children should start to recognise and read some common "sight words" (e.g., the, is, it).

Key Skills in Reading:

  • Showing an interest in books and stories.

  • Recognising letters and their sounds.

  • Blending sounds to read simple words.

  • Answering questions and retelling stories.

  • Recognising some high-frequency words.

2. Writing

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Develop fine motor skills: Children should have opportunities to practise holding a pencil correctly and using it to make marks, letters, and shapes. They will develop control over the pencil to write clearly.

  • Write their own name: Children should be able to write their own name with some accuracy and understanding.

  • Use phonics to write words: Children should be able to sound out and write simple words using their phonics knowledge (e.g., cat, dog, big).

  • Write simple sentences: Children should begin to use basic punctuation (e.g., full stops) and start writing short sentences, often with adult support.

  • Express thoughts and ideas through writing: Children will also begin to use their imagination to write short stories or draw pictures that show an understanding of the narrative.

Key Skills in Writing:

  • Developing fine motor control to hold and use a pencil.

  • Writing their name.

  • Writing simple words using phonics.

  • Starting to form simple sentences.

  • Using punctuation and drawing to express ideas.

3. Mathematics

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Number recognition: Children should be able to recognise and write numbers from 1 to 20 and begin to understand the value of each number (e.g., knowing that 4 means four objects).

  • Counting skills: They should be able to count up to 20 objects, saying one number for each object, and start to count beyond 20.

  • Simple addition and subtraction: Children should be able to solve simple addition and subtraction problems using objects or pictures (e.g., 3 + 2 = 5).

  • Shape and space: They should begin to recognise and name common 2D and 3D shapes (e.g., circle, square, triangle, cube, sphere) and understand basic positional language (e.g., on, under, next to).

  • Measurement: Children will explore and compare sizes, lengths, and weights of objects using everyday language.

Key Skills in Mathematics:

  • Recognising and writing numbers up to 20.

  • Counting objects accurately and beyond 20.

  • Understanding simple addition and subtraction.

  • Recognising and naming shapes.

  • Exploring measurements (e.g., size, length, weight).

4. Understanding the World

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Exploring the world around them: Children should show curiosity and interest in the world, asking questions about how things work and why. This includes exploring their environment and discussing what they see.

  • Understanding different cultures and communities: They should begin to develop an understanding of the different people, places, and communities around them, showing interest in the wider world.

  • Technological understanding: Children should become familiar with using basic technology, such as computers, interactive whiteboards, and simple programs, to explore learning.

Key Skills in Understanding the World:

  • Asking questions and exploring their environment.

  • Showing interest in different cultures and communities.

  • Using basic technology to support learning.

5. Expressive Arts and Design

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Creative expression: Children should be encouraged to explore different materials and media, such as paint, clay, and fabric, to express their ideas through art.

  • Role play and imagination: They should use their imagination to engage in role play and create stories and characters in their play. This might include acting out events they have seen in stories or daily life.

  • Music and movement: Children should explore music through singing, dancing, and playing simple instruments, developing an awareness of rhythm and sound.

Key Skills in Expressive Arts and Design:

  • Exploring and experimenting with materials for creative expression.

  • Using imagination in role play and storytelling.

  • Engaging in music and movement activities.

6. Physical Development

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Gross motor skills: Children should develop their coordination and control when running, jumping, throwing, and catching. They should be able to navigate obstacles and balance on equipment.

  • Fine motor skills: They should continue to develop smaller movements with their hands, such as holding a pencil, using scissors, and building with blocks or construction toys.

  • Health and self-care: Children should begin to understand the importance of looking after their body, washing hands, dressing themselves, and making healthy choices in their diet.

Key Skills in Physical Development:

  • Developing coordination through gross motor activities.

  • Building fine motor skills (e.g., using pencils, scissors).

  • Understanding personal hygiene and health.

7. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

In Reception, children are expected to:

  • Making relationships: Children should develop positive relationships with adults and peers, showing respect and kindness in their interactions.

  • Self-regulation: They should begin to control their emotions, cope with change, and understand how to manage their feelings in different situations.

  • Confidence and independence: Children should become more independent, showing confidence in making choices, following routines, and participating in class activities.

Key Skills in Personal, Social, and Emotional Development:

  • Building positive relationships with others.

  • Managing emotions and developing self-regulation.

  • Growing in confidence and independence.

How Parents Can Support Learning

Here are some ways you can help support your child’s learning at home:

  • Reading: Read with your child every day. Ask them questions about the story and encourage them to join in with familiar phrases or words.

  • Writing: Provide opportunities for your child to write, such as making a shopping list, writing a letter, or drawing pictures with labels.

  • Mathematics: Encourage counting, number recognition, and simple problem-solving during everyday activities, like counting apples or comparing the size of objects.

  • Understanding the World: Encourage curiosity by talking about nature, different places, or using technology to explore educational games and resources.

  • Expressive Arts: Let your child experiment with drawing, painting, and creating their own music. You can also engage in imaginative play together, such as pretending to cook or go on an adventure.

  • Physical Development: Provide space and opportunities for your child to be active, such as playing outside, dancing to music, or playing with toys that help develop hand-eye coordination.

If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support both you and your child throughout this exciting year!