Hello and welcome to the Buttermere class page!
Welcome to Buttermere’s class page.
This year in reception our class teachers are Mrs Elliot and Mrs Gomersall and our teaching assistants are Miss Shimmin, Mrs Robinson and Miss Robinson.
We have an engaging and interactive indoor and outdoor continuous provision in our Early Years unit where children can develop their skills through, playing and exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically through the 7 areas of learning and development.
Each day we spend time developing our language, communication and reading skills. We have a daily phonics session to give us the best possible start in our reading journey. We split into small groups for our phonics sessions to enable every child to make progress through the Read Write Inc programme. We enjoy taking home a range of books from both our phonics scheme and our class library. We know that reading is essential to unlock learning and the love of reading underpins our weekly parent library sessions.
To keep our brains alert, every child is given the opportunity to have snack (a piece of fruit) and a cup of milk or water.
At lunch time children can choose to have a hot dinner provided by school, which is free for reception children, or they can bring their own packed lunch from home.
Tapestry
We use an online learning journal in reception called Tapestry to celebrate children’s learning and development. This builds a special record of the children’s experiences, development and learning journey and this is shared with parents. We do this by adding photos, videos and diary entries.
Smile 4 Life
We are a Smile4Life school. This means that we work with children and families to lay solid foundations for good oral health throughout life. Smile4Life provide each child in reception with a toothbrush and toothpaste to use in school and also a set to take home with them.
Parent-Guide-1-to-Supporting-Phonics-at-Home
Parent-Guide-2-to-Supporting-Phonics-at-Home
🌟 Starting School: Little Steps That Make a Big Difference 🌟
As children get ready for school, there are lots of small, everyday skills that can help them feel more happy, confident and independent. Every child is different – these are gentle ideas, not a checklist 💛
Here are some simple things you can practise together at home:
👕 Getting dressed
Let your child have a go at putting on their coat and shoes. Velcro shoes and zip‑up coats are great confidence boosters!
🚽 Using the toilet & washing hands
Practising toilet routines and handwashing helps children stay healthy and feel more independent. Singing a short song while washing hands can make it fun.
🍎 Eating independently
Encourage your child to feed themselves and practise opening lunchboxes or wrappers if they’ll have a packed lunch.
💬 Telling adults what they need
Help your child practise asking for help, a drink, the toilet, or saying how they feel – using words, signs, pictures or devices. Whatever works for them is brilliant.
👂 Listening & following simple instructions
Try games like copying actions or giving one or two simple instructions during daily routines. Praise effort, not perfection.
👫 Spending time with others
Playdates, playgroups or the park all help. Don’t worry if your child plays alongside others rather than with them – that’s a great start.
📖 Focusing for short periods
Reading a story, doing a puzzle or playing a calm game for a few minutes helps build attention. Little and often works best.
🔄 Sharing & taking turns
Board games, building together or rolling a ball back and forth are fun, low‑pressure ways to practise.
😊 Talking about feelings
Use everyday moments and stories to talk about emotions – your child’s and others’. There’s no right or wrong answer.
👋 Spending time away from you
If possible, gently build up short times with other trusted adults. Staying calm and reassuring (even when it’s hard!) really helps.
✨ Remember: Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. Focus on what works for your child, and let school know what helps them best – we’re all in this together.
For more information about school readiness, click here: Preparing for school – Best Start in Life
For further advice: Home – Starting Reception
Here’s a handy guide to help you help your child to start reception: Guide to Starting Reception
For specific advice around Potty Training: The Potty Training Guide – Starting Reception
For support with toothbrushing: The Children’s Toothbrushing Guide – Starting Reception