Welcome to Fir Class

We are Fir Class and we are in Reception and Pre-school/Nursery, we are taught by Mrs Hearn, Mrs Buck and Mrs Goymer. We work in a large, bright classroom with access into our own enclosed outdoor learning space. 

School Times

The school gates open at 8.25, we welcome the children at the pedestrian gate and take them into school with their classmates.

School begins at 8.30, our learning starts as soon as we enter the classroom so please be prompt.

Lunch begins and our morning session ends at 12.00 (some pre-school children leave then).

Our afternoon session starts at 13.00 (again some pre-school leave then)

End of the school day is at 3.30, we will bring the children to you at the large gate.

What children need in school

Reception children must wear school uniform, many of our pre-school choose to wear it too but it is not compulsory for these children. 

The one exception to this is that on Wednesdays we have Forest school in the afternoon. We have found it is best for children to wear outdoor PE kit for this - many of our children keep wellies and waterproofs in school.

We also ask for a change of clothes, we do enjoy messy play and love the sand and water so we might need to get changed, we may need extra spare clothes in case of any toileting accidents.

Water bottles; we do provide milk to the children until they are 5 (after this age it is subsidised) and a healthy snack is available for everyone, you may provide a piece of fruit or vegetables from home if you like.

Weather appropriate clothing; we go outdoors in all weathers so we need wellies and waterproofs for the rain, warm clothes (layers preferably, along with a coat) when it is cold and sun hats and be wearing sun cream when it is warm.

We ask that children do not bring toys from home, although we can accommodate children’s needs if they it will help their transitions. We have a treasure shelf that some children use so their things are safe, visible but not available to play with.

We ask that anything brought into school is labelled clearly with your child's name and that you show them where you have put it and what it looks like (until they can recognise their own name).

PE Kit - required on Wednesdays

PE kit is:-

• Navy jogging bottoms
• Plain, round neck, white t-shirt (one with the school badge is available from the uniform shop on the school's website if you would like)
• Navy sweatshirt or zip up (school sweatshirt is fine)
• A pair of trainers that they can fasten themselves.

Class Dojo

We use the class dojo app to stay in contact with you, sharing pictures, news and celebrations both publicly on the class story and through the messenger service. We reply to message during working hours, as quickly as we can, this can be delayed during the school day as we are with the children. So in an emergency, please contact the office in the usual way.

We occasionally use class dojo to give reward points in class - but mostly reward with marbles which collectively go to the school family that your child will be in.

Absences

• We ask that if your child is unable to attend school for any reason, you report to school by 10am.
• Please, where possible, arrange any medical appointments outside of school hours.
• If for any reason your child will miss school please contact school in advance for a leave of absence form.

Curriculum

 Our curriculum follows a two year rolling programme with a new topic each half term. We do most of our learning in Fir class through play, which at this age is the best way to learn, however Reception children are expected to complete a phonics, maths and writing task daily. Nursery children often join in with these, however it is optional for them. 

Here are our topics for this year:

Autumn 1 - 2025  

Main Topic - Me and My Community

In the Me and My Community project, your child will learn about the school community and building friendships. They will explore the school grounds and find out about all the people in school who are there to help them. They will explore how they are special and unique and how everyone’s family is different. They will take part in practical activities to support them to build new friendships and explore what makes a good friend. They will also find out about people in the community who help us, including doctors, nurses, and the emergency services.

Mini Project - Exploring Autumn

IIn the Exploring Autumn project, your child will go on a woodland walk to learn about the seasonal changes that happen in autumn. They will learn about birds and animals that live in the woods and how they survive as the weather gets colder. They will take part in practical and creative activities that will support them to learn about autumn.

Books we will read with this topic

We read books all the time in Fir class, here are some of the books we are reading as part of our topic this term - Let's Explore

Pupil Voice

What we think about being in Fir class.

These are some the amazing things children in Fir class have said about our school during a circle time.

"I like playing with my friends, I like playing outside in the garden and Grandma Fantastic."

"I like playing in the small world with my friends."

"My teachers make me safe, and we learn about god."

"I love my friends, I like to make things in the creative area."

"I like to do colouring."

"I like playing with the cars and the new animals and dinosaurs. I like singing and stories too."

"I do lots of learning and playing, I like phonics because I do lots of sounds and I love playing with my friends."