Reception | Pre Prep Berkshire

Reception at Crosfields offers a warm, nurturing and enriching start to each child’s school journey. Children learn through purposeful activities and imaginative play, guided by skilled Early Years practitioners. The curriculum is broad and engaging, delivered in bright classrooms and spacious outdoor environments.

Children enjoy specialist led experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence, helping them explore new opportunities with enthusiasm. The day-to-day rhythm supports growth, independence and joy in learning from the very first moment.

How children learn in Reception

Children follow a thoughtfully designed Early Years curriculum balancing play-based learning with focused adult-led sessions. Daily teaching includes phonics, early reading, maths, literacy, PSHE and Understanding the World, with free play woven throughout the day to promote independence and problem-solving. Indoor spaces encourage communication, creativity and early writing, while outdoor environments feature climbing frames, mud kitchens and playhouses. Two outdoor playtimes, weekly library access and freshly prepared lunches help shape a fulfilling daily routine.

A day in Reception

The school day begins at 08:15 and finishes at 15:15, offering children a well-balanced timetable following the Early Years curriculum. Daily maths and phonics sit alongside a broad range of subjects, while free play is integrated throughout. Children benefit from two outdoor playtimes, spacious learning areas and freshly prepared lunches. An open-door policy ensures strong communication at drop-off and collection. Wraparound care extends the day from breakfast club at 07:30 through to 17:50, delivered by familiar, caring EYFS staff.

Innovation in Early Years

Reception embraces creative approaches that make learning engaging and developmentally supportive. Activities such as Talk for Writing, Dough Disco and Squiggle While You Wiggle build fine motor strength and early writing skills in fun, age-appropriate ways. Technology is introduced gradually through purposeful activities like Smartie the Penguin, helping children develop early digital awareness and online safety understanding. These imaginative methods bring learning to life and support confident communication and expression.

A culture of opportunity

Children enjoy access to specialist areas including the Pre-Prep Library, Science department and extensive outdoor spaces. Weekly sessions run by specialist teachers include swimming, Forest School, music, PE, French and dance, broadening children’s confidence and skills across physical, creative and cognitive areas. These experiences sit within Crosfields’ all through journey, providing continuity and a sense of belonging from the outset. Each day is structured to nurture curiosity, resilience and joyful learning.

Celebrating diversity

Crosfields’ richly diverse community, representing over 40 languages and many cultures, is woven seamlessly into classroom life. Children encounter books, resources and experiences that reflect a wide range of families, identities and backgrounds, helping every child feel represented and valued. Through stories, cultural celebrations and exploration of the wider world, pupils develop empathy, respect and an early sense of global awareness, ensuring diversity is celebrated daily.

A joyful day, every day

Every day in Reception is designed to be purposeful, joyful and filled with exciting opportunities. Children enjoy freshly prepared lunches, meaningful play, structured learning and activities that promote curiosity, confidence and wellbeing. The rhythm of the day supports resilience and a love of learning, ensuring children feel happy, secure and ready to embrace new challenges. By the end of the year, pupils are well-prepared for the next step, having already developed a strong foundation and enthusiasm for learning.