SOKE Education Trust EYFS Vision Statement

At Soke Education Trust, every day is a new adventure: in our Reception year, we nurture young minds through fun, creativity and high-quality interaction. We believe that every day is different and brings new opportunities for discovery, learning and growth. We are committed to creating a vibrant, stimulating environment where:

• • Fun is at the heart of learning – Children experience joy and excitement in their daily activities, developing a lifelong love of learning through play-based experiences that capture their imagination and curiosity.

  • Every child makes progress – We celebrate individual achievements and ensure that all children develop the foundational knowledge and skills they need, building confidence as they take their next steps in learning.

  • Creativity flourishes – Children are encouraged to express themselves, explore ideas, and think imaginatively across all areas of learning, with opportunities to create, experiment and problem-solve.

High-quality interactions are central to our practice – Staff engage pupils in high-quality interactions to develop their knowledge and vocabulary across all areas of learning, helping pupils to articulate what they know and understand by scaffolding, modelling, extending and developing their ideas.

At Wittering, our Reception class is taught by Miss Sutherill, with support from Mrs Wilson, one of our exceptional Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs). Together, they create a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which supports children’s learning and development from birth to five years old. Through a balance of structured activities and child-led exploration, children build the foundations for future learning across seven key areas:

• Communication and Language – developing speaking, listening, and understanding skills
• Physical Development – improving coordination, movement, and self-care
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building confidence, relationships, and emotional awareness
• Literacy – exploring reading, writing, and phonics
• Mathematics – learning about numbers, patterns, shapes, and measures
• Understanding the World – discovering people, places, technology, and the natural world
• Expressive Arts and Design – encouraging creativity through art, music, role play, and imaginative activities

Our Reception team works closely with families to ensure a smooth transition into school life and to support each child’s individual needs. We believe that strong partnerships with parents are key to helping children thrive during this important stage.