In the Reception classes at Hilgay Riverside Academy, we aim to prepare children for their school life by providing them with what they need to become independent, interested and inquisitive learners. We also aim to make the children’s first year at school enjoyable and instil an enthusiasm for learning and challenging themselves, which they will take with them through their school career.

Our environment is vital to the children's learning opportunities and development. In Reception you will find engaging role play, vibrant displays and provision that covers all seven areas of learning (as effective outdoors as indoors). We value the experiences that each child brings to the setting, observing the children as they play, in order to assess their development and plan for the next steps in their learning. Our broad, flexible and creative curriculum is built upon the respect of the child and others.

Our parents and carers are partners within the children's learning therefore we celebrate the learning that takes place at home, as well as school.  Each child has a "Learning Journey" that documents their progress in the seven areas of learning and development. This record can be access online through a secure programme called Tapestry. Tapestry also allows parents and carers to add comments, observations, photos and videos and provides a valuable link between home and school. 



In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and link this to The Primary Knowledge curriculum that is used throughout the school. Our emphasis is on active learning, including self-directed spontaneous play, planned focused teaching and learning activities, experimentation, exploration, investigation and discussion.