For this week's View from the Top, we've handed over to Hannah Tongue, the head of Boardman, the lower years at Beachborough School. Below, Mrs Tongue explores the importance of a strong parent-school partnership in navigating a successful reception year...
A successful early years experience greatly influences a child's learning attitude, self-confidence and overall well-being, and can influence their future attitudes to learning. When schools and parents work in successful partnership, it creates an environment that encourages growth and enthusiasm for learning. As a parent and teacher, I am fortunate enough to be seeing and experiencing this first-hand.
An early years environment should be a welcoming space where children feel safe to explore, take risks and learn from their marvellous mistakes. By building trusting relationships, teachers should nurture and encourage children to express themselves confidently in their learning environment.
Social and emotional development in reception is as crucial as academic progress, and parents and teachers can collaborate to instil social skills like sharing and compromise. School initiatives such as parent workshops can help families focus on developing resilience and independence during the early years. Play-based learning promotes collaboration, turn-taking and respect for others' viewpoints, helping to build self-esteem and social confidence.
Language and communication skills flourish in reception. Daily activities such as story time, role-play and discussions provide opportunities for children to expand their vocabulary and practise attentive listening. Phonics is vital for early reading skills and a structured phonics program engages children through multi-sensory learning, enabling them to apply sounds confidently. Workshops on phonics and early numeracy can help parents reinforce these skills at home with confidence.
Physical development is also essential. Opportunities to enhance fine motor skills - like writing and threading - are important, as are activities that build gross motor skills through running and climbing. Access to outdoor play at home and school fosters co-ordination, strength and a love for nature.
One of the best ways parents can support their child is by fostering a positive attitude toward school. Discussing school enthusiastically and engaging with what children are learning can excite them about their educational journey. Building strong relationships with families and sharing learning experiences can enhance the connection between home and school. Ultimately, it builds trust too, with the experienced teaching practitioners who are supporting your child.
A successful reception year can be markedly enhanced through collaboration between school and home. This partnership is vital for maintaining open communication, supporting engagement in play-based activities and nurturing independence, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning in our youngest pupils.