Welcome to our Reception Page

At Hamstel Infant and Nursery School our vision is to provide our children a foundation for learning that will prepare them for the rest of their primary education and future success. We strongly believe in ensuring that our children are surrounded by a rich, stimulating environment with a broad and balanced curriculum. All our children are valued as individuals and we encourage each and every child to reach their full potential.

We work from the Early Foundation Stage Curriculum 2021 alongside Development Matters 2021. There are seven areas of learning and development:

Prime Areas

Communication and Language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development

Specific Areas

Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design

We use fun and exciting topics to engage and hook the children into their learning. The year is split into six key themes and each week begins with a high quality book chosen to match out topic. During the Reception day your child will take part in short adult-led sessions including RWInc phonics, maths, handwriting and topic followed up with sort group activities to further embed their learning. The children also have the opportunity to engage in child initiated activities following their own interests.

Meet the Team

Miss M.Parmenter

Owl Class Teacher

Mrs A. Williams

Teaching Assistant

Miss J. Capon

Woodpecker Class Teacher

Mrs H. Goodliff

Teaching Assistant

Mrs C. Golding &

Mrs D. Bird

Kingfisher Class Teacher

Miss N. Bobin

Teaching Assistant

Miss D. Bishton

Peacock Class Teacher

Mrs K. Owen

Teaching Assistant

Outdoor Learning

6th January - Woodpecker

7th January - Kingfisher

8th January - Peacock

9th January - Owl

27th January - Woodpecker

28th January - Kingfisher

29th January - Peacock

30th January - Owl

PE

Kingfisher - Monday

Owl - Tuesday

Peacock - Wednesday

Woodpecker - Thursday

Reception Curriculum Long Term Planning

Spring 1 Theme Overview

Letters home

Home Learning

Reception Timetable

Handwriting Information Leaflet

RWInc rhymes to support letter formation

Curriculum Meeting

Reception Induction Meeting 2025

Top tips for parents from parents

“Always bring a snack after school!”

“It’s a very good school and you do not need to be worried.”

“Attend as many school meetings as possible.”

“Go to the open class sessions and workshops – it will really help your engagement with your child’s school work and further help you assist them with their home learning. And it’s fun to go back to school!”

“Make starting school exciting in the way you speak about it and not scary or worrying, it’s a big new adventure!”

“Get to school early, let them prepare to go in with you, stops the tears and lets them acclimatise beforehand!”

“Try to attend as many meetings as possible and read all the communications. You don’t get this time back so immerse as much as you can.”

“Keep talking about school as being an exciting thing, a chance to learn and make new friends.”

“Trust that the school know what they’re doing.”

“Ask anything you want to know more about and work with the school to support you child.”

“Trust the teachers”

"Keep an eye on emails"

What our parents have said about Hamstel

“My partner and I have been thoroughly impressed with the school so far. I think every step was taken to help the children’s transition. It was nice that Mr Roche came to welcome children and parents on the first few days. I also think it’s excellent that parents are invited into the school and included in their child’s journey. It’s a struggle to think of any improvements”

“We appreciate the teachers and the school. Many thanks”

“Hamstel is a great school.”

“Hamstel is a lovely school! So far so good, I am happy with my child’s transition to school.”