Squirrels (Rec/Year 1) 2026 - 2027

Welcome to Squirrels

Squirrel Class is taught by Mrs Smith and is made up of a wonderful team of kind, caring and curious Reception and Year 1 children.

In Squirrel Class, we encourage one another to be the best we can be, embrace new opportunities and grow into confident, respectful and responsible global citizens. Our Christian values of Love & Kindness, Friendship, Respect, Justice, Freedom & Responsibility and Equality are at the heart of our classroom and guide the way we learn, play and care for one another.

Starting the Learning Journey at Bickerton

Reception and Year 1 are an exciting and important stage in children's learning – a time of new experiences, new friendships and new discoveries.

We want every child to feel happy, safe, known and valued. For children joining us in Reception, we work closely with families to ensure that starting school is a positive experience and that children quickly develop a sense of belonging within our Bickerton family.

Our Squirrel Class environment provides a secure, nurturing and stimulating place where children can play, explore, investigate, create, question and learn.

Learning in Reception & Year 1

Squirrel Class brings together the play-based foundations of the Early Years Foundation Stage with the developing knowledge, skills and independence of Year 1.

As a mixed Reception and Year 1 class, we recognise that children may be at different stages of their learning journey. Our approach is:

Different Routes, One Destination

Our curriculum is carefully planned so that Reception children access the full Early Years curriculum while Year 1 children progressively develop the knowledge and skills required within the National Curriculum.

Children build upon what they already know, with teaching carefully planned and adapted to provide the appropriate support, challenge and opportunity for each stage of learning.

Learning takes place both indoors and outdoors, through a carefully considered balance of purposeful play, exploration, practical experiences and high-quality adult-led teaching.

As children develop, we support them to become increasingly independent and confident learners. The transition from Reception into Year 1 is carefully managed, recognising that children do not suddenly stop learning through exploration and play simply because they enter Key Stage 1.

Learning Through Curiosity

Young children are naturally curious, and we want to nurture that curiosity.

Children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, make choices, solve problems, communicate their ideas and try new things. They learn that making mistakes is part of learning and develop the resilience to keep going when something is challenging.

Our environment and curriculum provide opportunities for children to learn through first-hand experiences, helping them develop their understanding of themselves, other people and the world around them.

Through our LIVE curriculum, we encourage our Squirrels to become:

L – Life-Long Learners – developing confidence, independence and a love of learning.

I – Immersive – learning through rich, practical and memorable experiences.

V – Valuing Diversity – learning about themselves and others, celebrating difference and showing kindness and respect.

E – Enquiring Minds – exploring, investigating, asking questions and being curious about the world around them.

Building Strong Foundations

Our priority throughout Reception and Year 1 is to give children the strong foundations they need for future learning.

Alongside developing early reading, writing and mathematical understanding, we place great importance on children's communication and language, physical development, personal development, independence, creativity and understanding of the world.

Children learn how to work and play together, listen to others, share their ideas, manage their emotions and take increasing responsibility for themselves and their learning.

Our Christian values are woven throughout classroom life, helping our youngest children begin to understand what it means to show kindness, friendship, respect, fairness and responsibility in the way they treat others.

Above all, we want children to be happy and excited to come to school, developing confidence in themselves and a genuine love of learning.

Keeping in Touch

We value working closely with our families and recognise how important this partnership is, particularly during children's first years at school.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to us during the term, please contact us by:

• leaving a message through Class Dojo;

• contacting the school office; or

• emailing the school.

We endeavour to respond to non-urgent messages and emails within 48 hours.

If your message is urgent, please contact the school office directly on 01829 720240.