Welcome to Reception

At GCA, Reception is a warm, vibrant, open‐plan learning space where children flourish through discovery and play. In Reception, children are grouped into two classes — Pine and Palm — but both classes share and benefit from the same unified environment, giving them freedom to move, explore, and learn together.

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. We provide a broad, balanced curriculum that supports every child’s progress across all seven areas of learning, helping them to grow into confident, independent learners.

Children learn through a combination of adult-led teaching and child-initiated play. Our staff carefully plan activities and experiences that build on the children’s interests while developing key skills in communication, language, literacy, maths and personal, social and emotional development.

Our open-plan Reception space allows children from both classes to learn and play together. Areas are thoughtfully set up to promote creativity, curiosity and collaboration — from construction and role play to art, writing and investigation. Children also spend lots of time learning outdoors, whatever the weather, developing confidence, physical skills and a love of nature.

We value the strong partnerships we build with families. Parents are regularly informed about their child’s learning and progress through Class Dojo, school newsletters and informal conversations. We also welcome parent involvement in school life, whether through reading with children, joining special events or supporting home learning.

Our aim in Reception is to ensure every child feels happy, secure and excited to learn. By the end of the year, children are well-prepared for the next stage of their education — ready to move into Key Stage 1 with confidence and enthusiasm.