Welcome to Reception — where our learning journey begins!
At Westlea, we believe that making friends, communicating effectively, and developing essential skills are the foundations of life-long learning.
Our bespoke curriculum combines child-led exploration and adult-guided learning, allowing every child to discover, play, and grow in their own unique way. Designed with our children at its heart, our approach is based on research and experience showing that young children learn best when they are interested, curious, and deeply engaged — something we achieve through purposeful play.
A curriculum built around curiosity and joy
Everything we plan and provide in Reception is shaped by our ethos: to develop happy, confident, independent, and knowledgeable learners who love coming to school.
From the moment the door opens, our friendly team welcomes children and families with care and enthusiasm. We value the partnerships we build with parents and carers, always ready to share in your child’s worries, successes, and joyful moments.
Learning through play
Throughout the day, children choose how and where to explore — indoors or outdoors — following their own interests and ideas. Our “playtime” sessions are carefully structured to allow extended periods of uninterrupted learning. In this time, children take the lead in their learning while adults join them, guiding, challenging, and supporting as needed.
Our workshop-style environment ensures that every resource is accessible, well-organised, and ready to inspire. We enhance and adapt our provision ‘in the moment’ to extend learning, introduce new challenges, and reflect children’s evolving interests.
Nothing is pre-set — but everything is available to encourage creativity, independence, and a love of learning. Because every child is unique, our staff are flexible and responsive, tailoring support and challenge to meet each learner’s needs.
Encouraging independence
At lunchtime, children are supported to make independent choices — selecting, collecting, cutting, and enjoying their own meals in a relaxed and social setting. We gently encourage healthy eating and the confidence to try new foods.
This independence continues throughout the day, including our “rolling snack” system, where children decide when they are ready to eat or drink. We are also proud participants in a toothbrushing programme, helping to promote good oral hygiene and healthy habits from an early age.
Every moment matters
Before the end of each session, our “tidy-up team meeting” brings children together to care for their environment and take responsibility for their shared space. We then gather for adult-led learning — including phonics, maths, stories, singing, and games — helping to build new knowledge, reinforce skills, and deepen understanding across all areas of development.
We also run short, fun interventions daily to offer extra support wherever it’s needed, ensuring every child can flourish.
Connecting with our community
Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. We regularly explore our local community — visiting the cenotaph, church, care homes, shops, and more — to help children experience real life and build a sense of belonging. Visitors are also warmly welcomed into school to share their knowledge, experiences, and careers, enriching our curriculum and sparking new interests.
At Westlea Reception, every day is an opportunity to explore, imagine, learn, and grow — together.