A day in the life of Acorn Class

Acorn class is a mixed group of Year 1 and Reception age children. Like all Early Years settings, play is integral to the children’s learning and so we have a Continuous Provision approach to our learning, of which the Year 1 children are very fortunate to be able to have access to.

Both year groups have daily phonics. We follow the Read Write Inc scheme, which is very fast-paced but highly effective. Children in Reception learn 3 sounds a week and very quickly learn to blend these sounds together to read words. Children in Year 1 continue learning and recapping sounds previously learnt, in order to develop their reading skills and confidence. All children are heard reading at least twice a week and we strongly encourage children to read at home with their parents.

Year 1s have a more formal style in terms of their learning, but their Continuous provision comprises challenges that reinforces the week’s objectives they have in the Foundation subjects. They have weekly Topic, Art, RE, PSHE and Science lessons, which the Reception children can access too but on a younger level.

We are lucky to have a spacious outdoor area which the children can access daily. It is here the children have the use of a mud kitchen, sand and water area, bikes and other outdoor equipment. Physical development is so important, so as well as our outdoor area, all children have two PE lessons a week with our specialist PE teacher.

Acorn class is a very busy and fun place to be. The children love playing together and it is wonderful to see the older children supporting the younger children in their learning and emotional development. Similarly, the younger children look up to the Year 1s and are continually challenged in their learning by working and playing alongside them.