Pre-Reception (3-4 years)

From the September after they turn 3, pupils move into our Pre-Reception class. Building on the foundations taught in Pre-School, this year focuses on growing independence, communication skills, and self confidence.  

In Pre-Reception the class continues with the EYFS curriculum and we provide your child with the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities that will help them learn, develop, and reach their full potential.

Everything within the Pre-Reception has been carefully selected with your child's learning development and happiness in mind. In preparation for Reception class, the school day includes a greater amount of teacher led activity aimed to stimulate learning and build on the physical developments made in the year before.

In addition to themed weeks and teacher-led activities, pupils in Pre-Reception benefit from weekly French, Music, and PE lessons. These lessons are taught by the specialist teachers from the Preparatory School, creating a reassuring link to the Preparatory School for when they do eventually move up.

Being outdoors is something we see as very important at all stages of school, and a large outdoor area is used daily by our Pre-Reception pupils. Not only the Early Years playground and Secret Garden but pupils in Pre-Reception will often play on the school astro-turf and meadow too. There is no shortage of outdoor space at The Ryleys School!

In the summer term as part of PE, our Pre-Reception class completes a series of swimming lessons in our pool - a real highlight of the year. Prior to graduation time, the pupils also take their first school trip.

All meals are included and are prepared in the school kitchen, and served to the pupils by our chef. A menu is emailed to all parents the week prior and accommodates all dietary needs and preferences.

The Pre-Reception operates on a staff ratio of 1:8, ensuring excellent attention at all times and in addition your child will be allocated a Key Person as soon as he or she joins Pre-Reception. Our Pre-Reception also employs a qualified teacher ensuring those with interest in taking the next step have the relevant support and teaching supervision to do so correctly.

The role of the Key Person is to not only to care for and provide reassurance to your child during the early days, but to ensure your child's developmental milestones are being observed and their development supported. All developmental observations are shared with you on a secure app called ‘Famly’ allowing you real time understanding of what your child is achieving and enjoying that day.

The full day sessions include breakfast (if arriving before 8.30am), a hot lunch, morning and afternoon snacks and nappies if required. Pupils staying for an Extended Day, also have a late afternoon High Tea.

Opening Hours

As with all of our Early Years rooms, Pre-Reception is open for 50 weeks per year and is open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. 

We offer two session days, with a minimum of two sessions per week;

• A School Day -  7.30am - 4.30pm 
• Extended Day -  7.30am - 6pm

Parents can also choose either;

• 'All Year Round', with a two week break for Christmas
• 'Term Time Only', following the school's three term breaks

Whilst no school day is very exactly the same as another, we aim to follow a pattern to support our children throughout the day.