Welcome to Pygmy Owl Class

Pygmy Owl Class is our vibrant and nurturing learning environment for children in Reception and Year 1. Here, our youngest learners embark on their educational journey, laying the foundations for a lifelong love of learning. Our dedicated staff create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive space where every child can flourish.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum

For our Reception children, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which emphasises learning through play, exploration, and discovery. The EYFS framework focusses on seven key areas of learning and development:

1. Communication and Language - Developing listening, understanding, and speaking skills.

2. Physical Development - Encouraging active, healthy lifestyles and fine and gross motor skills.

3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development - Building confidence, relationships, and self-regulation.

4. Literacy - Exploring early reading and writing through engaging stories and phonics.

5. Mathematics - Introducing numbers, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving.

6. Understanding the World - Fostering curiosity about people, places, and the environment.

7. Expressive Arts and Design - Inspiring creativity through art, music, movement, and role play.

Through carefully planned activities and child-led exploration, our Reception children develop the skills and confidence needed to transition smoothly into Year 1.

Lower Key Stage 1 (KS1) Curriculum

For our Year 1 pupils, we build on the foundations laid in the EYFS by introducing the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. Our approach ensures a seamless transition from play-based learning to more structured activities. Key areas of focus include:

• English - Developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through phonics, storytelling, and creative writing.

• Mathematics - Strengthening understanding of numbers, addition, subtraction, and basic problem-solving.

• Science - Exploring the natural world through hands-on investigations and enquiry-based learning.

• Foundation Subjects - Introducing history, geography, art, design technology, music, and computing in exciting and meaningful ways.

We also place a strong emphasis on developing social skills, resilience, and a growth mindset, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

A Community of Curiosity

In Pygmy Owl Class, we celebrate the individuality of every child and encourage them to explore, question, and imagine. Through a balance of structured teaching, collaborative projects, and independent discovery, we inspire a sense of wonder and a joy for learning that will last a lifetime.

We look forward to welcoming your child into Pygmy Owl Class, where they will spread their wings and take their first steps on their educational adventure.

Our Recommended Reads

Developing a love of reading from the very beginning

At Manuden Primary School, we believe that sharing wonderful stories is one of the most important ways to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

In Pygmy Owl Class, we use The Reader Teacher's Top 100 Recommended Reads for Reception to help introduce children to a rich and exciting range of books, characters and stories.

These carefully selected books encourage imagination, develop vocabulary, spark curiosity and help children discover the joy of reading.

We encourage families to explore these recommendations together, whether that's through bedtime stories, visits to the library or simply sharing a favourite book at home.

Explore the recommended reading list:
The Reader Teacher – Reception Recommended Reads

Happy reading from everyone in Pygmy Owl Class!