Welcome

Welcome to our Year 1 class! We are excited to begin a wonderful year full of creativity, curiosity, learning and growth. Our aim is to create a warm, nurturing and supportive environment where every child feels valued, confident and inspired to be the best version of themselves.

Year 1 is an exciting and important step as children make the transition from the Early Years into Key Stage 1. We provide a caring and structured environment where children can settle into school life with confidence, develop their independence and build strong foundations for their continued journey through school. Through activity carousels, small group work and engaging, hands-on experiences, we provide learning opportunities that are carefully matched to each child’s needs and stage of development.

Throughout the year, we will support children in developing essential skills such as resilience, cooperation, problem-solving, independence and confidence. We encourage children to ask questions, share their ideas, work collaboratively and have a go at new challenges. These important life skills will help them not only in Year 1, but throughout their education and as they grow and develop as individuals.

Creativity is at the heart of our classroom. Through art, music, science, drama, PE and our wider curriculum, children will have lots of opportunities to explore, investigate, express themselves and discover their own interests and talents. We want children to develop a love of learning and the confidence to be curious about the world around them. You can find out more about the exciting topics we’re covering this term by viewing our curriculum overview.

Phonics and early reading are a key focus throughout Year 1. We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme, providing children with carefully structured phonics teaching to develop secure knowledge of sounds, blending and segmenting. Alongside this, we place a strong emphasis on developing a love of reading and helping children become confident, fluent and enthusiastic readers. Children will have regular opportunities to practise their reading skills and apply their phonics knowledge.

A key milestone for our Year 1 children is the Phonics Screening Check, which takes place in June. Throughout the year, our consistent phonics teaching, reading practice and targeted support will ensure that children are given every opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to approach the check successfully.

Alongside their academic learning, we will help children develop the foundations they need to become happy, responsible and independent learners. From learning how to organise themselves and care for their belongings to working as part of a team, managing challenges and showing kindness to others, we will support children in developing the skills and attitudes that will benefit them throughout their continued journey through school.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, laughter, discovery and growth together, as we help our Year 1 children take their next exciting steps in their school journey.