Transition

from Reception to Year 1

Transition• Gradual changes introduced into

classroom activities and routines.• Tailored to meet the needs of each

class and individual child.• Shared end goal is to ensure that

your child is ready to begin learning the Year 1 curriculum in September.

What is happening in Reception classes now?• More whole class directed activity- a

gradual process.• Children in ability groups for some

differentiated activities.• Emphasis on independence and

responsibility.

Characteristics of effective learning

• Engagement (playing and exploring)• Motivation (active learning)• Creative and critical thinking• Embedded in Early Years Learning

and linked closely to 5Rs

The Curriculum Now• Early Learning Goals link closely to

Year 1 starting point expectations.• Many Reception pupils are working

on Year 1 attainment targets in Writing, Reading and Maths.

• Year 1 teachers adapt planning to cross-curricular format to continue holistic learning.

Finding out about Year 1 • Transition week – week beginning Monday 6 July• Children will be completing transition booklets• Y1 classes will be making posters all about Year 1• Y1 School Council representatives will visit

Reception classes with the posters to talk about Year 1 and to answer questions

• Reception teachers will talk to their classes about Year 1 and what it will be like

• Teachers to visit their new Y1 classes to get to know the children

General Information about Year 1

• The classes are not being mixed up.• One year group TA shared amongst 3 classes (Mrs

Sullivan).• There will be a workshop in school or a trip out each term

– these are not yet confirmed. Will need to ask for voluntary donations for these to run.

• Parent pack will come home at the beginning of Year 1 to help you support your child’s learning.

• Each child will receive a Mathletics user name and password, as well as their Bug Club and Fronter passwords. Meeting in September to explain Mathletics.

General Information about Year 1• If you need to see your child’s teacher, you can

speak to her at the end of the day once she has dismissed the whole class.

• If you need to, you can make an appointment with her by contacting the office.

• You can send information or an appointment request by letter/note directly to the teacher via your child or the office.

• There will be a termly drop-in with the Year 1 teachers – dates will be sent home to you.

General Information about Year 1

• Groupings: Children will be grouped according to ability for

phonics, maths, English and reading. Phonics teaching will take place in sets across the year group – children are used to this from Reception.

• These groups are flexible – children will often be moved according to their progress.

• Most other lessons will have mixed ability groups.• Home tables are mixed ability.

Start of Autumn Term• For the first three full weeks (but not the first

2 days of term), the new Y1 classes will be taught the Year 1 curriculum in their new classrooms in the mornings, and return to the Reception classes in the afternoons. They will work on Year 1 related activities but still have the opportunity of more space, outdoor play and a larger choice of activities such as they have been accustomed to in Reception.

Routines – Reading books and book bags• Throughout Y1, children need to bring their

reading books and reading records in their book bags every day. There will be a set day to change reading books, but children will often be asked to get their books out and read in school, so they need their books all the time.

Routines - Homework• Homework will begin in the second full week of

term. Reading – daily. Please fill in reading record. Spellings – sent home on Friday, spelling test

Wednesday or Thursday. Scores will be reported to you.

Literacy - every week – use spelling words to write sentences.

Maths - fortnightly. Game or activity related to the curriculum – relating to next week or what has just been taught. Could be Mathletics.

Homework

• Homework will be given out on Friday, and needs to be in by the following Wednesday for marking. This will not be detailed marking as activities are for you and child to do together.

• Children are responsible for handing it in – teachers will not look in bookbags, although they will give a reminder. It can of course be handed in earlier than Wednesday!

Routines – Break times

• Break time will be in the mornings, not the afternoons. Class teachers have the freedom to take their classes outside for a short break in the afternoon if they think the children need it.

• Children will have their fruit usually after break. • No milk – the government provides this for

Nursery and Reception only.• Lunchtime – later than Reception – at 12 noon.

Equipment• Children need to bring a named water bottle every day (water only, no juice or squash).• PE kits (including a tracksuit) should be in school every

day (everything must be named including plimsolls). We will let you know PE days for each class.

• Apron for Art/DT – long sleeved – ideally green. Must be named.

• Bring book bag with books and reading record every day.

Independence and Responsibility• Children will go to the toilet in pairs. • Letters in book bags need to be given by the

child to the teacher.• Remember to bring book bags and books daily.• Please encourage your child to be responsible

and bring their homework in on the correct day.

Curriculum• Maths and English curriculum have increased

expectations in the new National Curriculum, including grammar, spelling and handwriting. Year 1 spelling list.

• Maths taught discretely, English linked to topic work - combined with science, history, geography, art, DT.

• Phonics also taught discretely – statutory phonics check at end of Year 1 in June 2016 – result will be reported to you.

• Maths – focus on counting in 10s, 5s, 2s, times tables 10x, 5x, 2x. Number bonds for 10 and all numbers up to 20. Problem solving.

Contacts

• If you have a concern about your child, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instant.

• Ms Rashid (Y1 Year Group Leader), or Mrs Searle (Key Stage Leader), are also available if you need further help. Please make contact via your child’s teacher or the School Office.