Spring 2026
Welcome back! The wintry days enable us to explore the season of Winter in our environment as well as journey afar through our love of books as we explore the wider world, specifically the polar regions.
Our outdoor learning day continues on a Monday. Please wear tracksuit bottoms/leggings and trainers with warm socks, with normal school jumpers. A reminder to ensure your child has appropriate outdoor clothing - warm coats and hats with the colder weather, and waterproof coats when it's wet!
Our PE day is Thursday. Please wear PE kit to school, with trainers rather than daps as these are not up to the wet weather.
Children should wear full uniform, including school shoes on remaining days.
Children are making great strides in their reading, with the practise at home making a huge difference to children's confidence in our group reading sessions. I really appreciate the time and effort you are putting in at home, and the children are so proud to share their progress with me and each other. Book and Biscuit continues to be a highlight of the week for the children, and they look forward to it with huge anticipation! Thank you for taking the time to come in and read, and also to read with those whose parents are working. It is such a lovely atmosphere and shows the children how important reading is. Remember, children are expected to read 5 times a week, though of course any extra reading is welcomed!
Autumn 2025
A huge welcome to Merlin Class. It is such an exciting time as your child begins their learning journey in school! We really look forward to working with you over the next year to support your child's learning.
Our first few weeks will be very much focused on making new friends, establishing routines and expectations, whilst exploring the school environment. We will be observing children within their natural play to assess baselines, as well as conducting the national government-led baseline assessment.
Our phonic adventure will then continue on from Pre-school experiences, applying Level 1 skills, such as focused listening, to learning and applying knowledge of specific sounds. Children will come home with information sheets of the day's learning so that you can support at home. Some sounds will be familiar, and we will be extending children with games at their level. I know so many children are already excited to see our sounds around the classroom!
We have a general topic of seasons, focusing on Autumn this term, as well as 'All about Me', where we provide opportunities for children to talk about their families and interests. This can be supported by uploading photos of events or celebrations from home. We love seeing your photos and children really enjoy talking about their photos.
At present, PE is on a Wednesday, but this will change in a few weeks - I will keep you informed.
Children need to come to school in their PE kit, with trainers as these are more supportive and avoids wet feet when outside.
Outdoor learning will be on a Monday, when children can wear black joggers/leggings with uniform jumpers/Tshirts, again, with trainers.
On the remaining days, children should always wear their full uniform, including school shoes.
There is a whole school expectation that children read 5 times a week. Currently, most children have a storybook to share at home. Please record the book and date in your child's reading record. Storytimes at home, such as sharing a book at bedtime, count as your child's reading at this time. As children become confident with sound recognition and can blend letters successfully to read words, then we will send phonic books home. These must be read 5 times, though you obviously continue to share story books as well. These are crucial for developing vocabulary as well as a love of reading.
Please feel free to see me at the door with any queries, though if they are not urgent, I would prefer an email which I can then respond to.
Miss Stockford
Please leave a message and Miss Stockford will be in touch.