n our reception class, Willow, we continue to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The children enjoy some more formal teaching where the emphasis is on acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skills. Handwriting, creative writing and reading are all important aspects of the children’s daily routine, along with lessons in arithmetic, measurement and shapes including number games. Reading is also taught using the Jolly Phonics method: for further information on this go to http://www.jollylearning.co.uk.

In PE, we begin the year by building basic coordination with simple throwing, kicking, jumping and balancing activities. After Christmas, we move on to team games. The children learn to cooperate and to follow rules. In the summer term we switch to individual athletic activities and build towards the annual Sports Day at the end of term. Reception children have swimming lessons once a week at Seymour swimming pool with a qualified coach.

We also begin Teddy Tennis, lessons are taught by a qualified teacher once a week. For more information see http://www.teddytennis.com.

Children take part in a wide range of activities including art and craft, design and technology, science and investigation and cooking. Teachers also encourage the enhancement of the children’s current interests. Children have access to our wonderful garden where they have the opportunity to explore their natural surroundings and develop their gross motor abilities.

The school offers a free return minibus service from the Nursery School in W2 to the Preparatory School in SW7.