child talking in class

Reception

Pembridge Hall School has become exempt from the learning and development requirements of the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 3 and over. However, the EYFS safeguarding, and welfare requirements still apply.

The Reception year at Pembridge Hall is a unique and exciting time, as girls, staff and parents embark on a learning journey together. Our principal expectation for the children in our care is to feel happy and safe and develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Whilst exempt from the EYFS, we recognise the many benefits that the curriculum has to offer; in addition, one of our primary aims is for our girls to be academically challenged. We incorporate the more exploratory and creative areas of learning into our curriculum, alongside a more structured academic programme for literacy – including phonics, reading, and writing – and mathematical development.

Young children learn best when they are motivated through playful learning experiences and are given opportunities to direct their own learning. Our department is extremely well resourced and organised to spark curious minds and cater for individual learning styles and needs. Each half term we embrace a new topic whereby we cover all areas of learning, particular highlights include Space, Celebrations around the world and Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds and Wild and Wonderful!

Reception is a hive of activity throughout the year – from rehearsing our nativity play and class assemblies to an exciting trip to the Zoo, transforming the school into a Space station and many trips to Paddington Recreation Ground – our first year at school is a uniquely special time that the girls will never forget.