First Steps at KES - Reception

Start Your Adventure

OriginalImage,OriginalWELCOME TO RECEPTION


Reception is the next step on the KES journey following on from our pre-school year in Nursery or equally, it can be an exciting entry point to start your child’s educational journey at King Edward’s.

The Reception classrooms are situated in the garden level of the main School building. They provide a spacious and stimulating teaching area for the children to learn and play. There is easy access to the beautiful school grounds which incorporate a bike track, climbing area, summer house, storytelling area, mud kitchen, sensory area and water play.

 

Early years are a crucial time for development, and we know that quality of teaching has the single biggest impact on how well children do in school.
  • Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation

Children have plenty of opportunities for developing their own interests and are encouraged to share news from home using our Interactive Learning Diary. Parents are kept up to date with their child’s learning using this web-based resource which shows photos, videos and comments about aspects of their child’s day at school.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

JOINING RECEPTION

Children joining Reception are informally evaluated in small groups during ‘stay and play’ sessions before a place is offered. Experienced staff support the children as they play, reading stories, using the construction equipment and even role-play. This takes the form of age-appropriate activities to assess gross, fine motor skills and other basic abilities.

If you are interested in sending your child to our Reception or would like to arrange a visit to see for yourself what makes our Reception so special, please contact our Admissions team on 01225 820399 or email: admissions@kesbath.com

CROSS-CURRICULAR LEARNING
Our cross-curricular topic-based learning integrates the rich diversity of learning skills and knowledge contained within our curriculum. The humanities subjects along with art, music, and literature are taught in a carefully planned programme which helps our children to develop a curiosity and love for learning about diverse cultures, histories, and the wider world around them. 
IN YEAR 1
After completing their year with Reception, the children are well-prepared in all areas of learning to move successfully into Year 1. There is a gentle transition from the play-based curriculum within the Early Years to a more structured school day with more clearly defined subject areas. Learning across the curriculum continues to be irresistible and fun with trips to venues such as Cardiff Castle and the arrival of a dragon in the School grounds. Throughout the year, the children continue to develop their awe and wonder of the natural world.
IN YEAR 2

During Year 2, the children become increasingly independent and take on responsibilities such as House Group Captains and playground buddies. The children engage with stimulating and challenging cross-curricular topics that deepen their knowledge and skills and prepares them for the progression into Year 3 at the Junior School. Learning is brought to life through first hand experiences including trips to SS Great Britain, working with specialist visitors such as an archivist from Bath Library & Archives and enjoying a residential trip to Magdalen Farm in Dorset.

Preparations to move into Year 3 begin at the very start of Year 2. A detailed programme of activities take place throughout the school year, starting with a treasure hunt in the Junior School and its grounds in September, which the children always enjoy! 

PRE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

At the Pre-Prep, we offer both pre- and after-school care. This takes place in Teddy’s Lodge, located at the front of the School. This is a pre-bookable service, which must be booked in advance on the School’s Gateway App. Each session is supervised by experienced professionals. There is a charge for this service.

EARLY BIRDS

8:00am – 8:30am
Doors open at 8:00am
All children are escorted to the playground for the start of the school day, and Nursery children are taken to their classroom
Early Bird charges are £2.00 per session

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

3:15pm – 5:45pm
Children attending an after-school activity will be escorted to Teddy's Lodge.
Session 1: 3.30pm* - 4.30pm and/or Session 2: 4.30pm - 5.45pm
Charges are set at the following rate: £4.00 per session.
*The first 15 minutes of After School Care is free for all pupils.

 

INTERESTED IN JOINING KES?

 
Visit our Admissions page
 

ADMISSIONS