The Reception year gives children the blueprint for a lifelong love of learning, marking their first steps at Westminster Under School. Building on their formative years, we create a nurturing and inspiring environment in which every child is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish. We believe that childhood should be protected and cherished; children are just as likely to be found digging in the soil outdoors as they are solving maths equations using practical resources inside. Curiosity is celebrated, imagination is cultivated, and confidence is gently grown.
At the same time, pupils access a rich and carefully accelerated curriculum that challenges and excites them. Our curriculum has been carefully designed to reflect the very best of the Reception EYFS framework, enriched with elements of the Year 1 National Curriculum. This ensures our bright and capable children are both challenged and inspired. Through purposeful play, exploration, and skilled adult guidance, we build strong academic and personal foundations, ensuring that each child is fully prepared, both intellectually and emotionally, to thrive as they move confidently towards Year 1 and beyond.
Curriculum
Phonics
Reading is central to who we are at Westminster Under School. We have the privilege of teaching children to read and write through a clear and systematic phonics approach in Reception. Children learn single sounds and digraphs. They practise blending to read and segmenting to write. Alongside this, they develop strong comprehension skills and a real understanding of what they read. By the end of Reception, our aim is for every child to be a confident, capable, and enthusiastic reader.
English
Children develop a genuine love of stories and books, exploring both fiction and non-fiction texts. Traditional tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears are brought to life through discussion, role play, and performance. Pupils act out stories, have opportunities to respond to them innovatively, and write their own versions, developing early writing skills, vocabulary, and imagination in the process.
Mathematics
We develop a secure mastery of early mathematical concepts through practical exploration and carefully structured teaching. Our carefully curated curriculum encompasses both the Reception and parts of the Year 1 curriculum, ensuring both depth and progression to stretch and challenge the children. Children grow into confident young mathematicians who enjoy solving problems with grit and determination. They use practical resources and a range of representations to explore equations and develop a deep understanding of number.
Art
Art in Reception is exploratory and expressive. Children experiment with a wide range of techniques and materials, including drawing, painting, clay, and collage. They learn about techniques and are introduced to a range of artists, while being given ample opportunity to develop and communicate their own creative ideas.
Science
Children begin by asking: What is a scientist? What is science? From there, they explore key early scientific concepts, including, for example: animals and classification, plants, planets, seasonal changes, and oral health. Through observation, questioning, and discussion, they develop curiosity about the natural world and begin to think scientifically.
Geography
Reception pupils develop an understanding of the world around them, beginning with ‘Me and My World’. From there, they broaden their perspective to explore their wider global community and their role in caring for the planet. Children enjoy, for example, learning about seas and oceans, maps and navigation, and weather and the seasons.
History
Children begin to understand the concept of the past by comparing “now” with earlier times. They are introduced to key historical skills, such as chronology, in an accessible and engaging way. Using themselves as a starting point, they create family trees and explore personal timelines. They discover the origins and meanings of traditional nursery rhymes, consider how transport has changed over time, and learn about significant figures, including members of the Royal Family.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
Our in-house PSHE sessions are carefully designed to meet the needs of our children. We talk openly about feelings, friendships, and real-life situations. Children are given practical strategies to manage challenges; for example, what to do if they cannot find someone to play with. Children build resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
Library
Weekly visits to our Pre-Prep Library foster a love of reading and independent book choice. Children learn how to care for books, explore different genres, and develop confidence in selecting texts that interest and challenge them. Children delight as our Librarian reads them new texts, and they are welcome to borrow books weekly from our Library.
Music
Children develop an appreciation for music through movement, listening, and performance. They learn to keep rhythm using percussion instruments, begin to play simple tunes on instruments such as the recorder, and enjoy singing together. Performance opportunities build confidence and a sense of shared achievement.
French
French is introduced through play, songs, games, and puppetry. Children learn greetings, animal names, foods, and how to express likes and dislikes, building early confidence in speaking another language in a joyful and engaging way.
PE and Games
Physical development is a key priority in Reception. Through ball skills, throwing and catching, running and jumping, children strengthen their gross motor control, coordination, and body awareness. They learn to move with control, stop and start safely, and work cooperatively as part of a team. Children are encouraged to try everything and to develop a broad range of fundamental sporting skills. Above all, they grow in confidence and develop a genuine enjoyment of games. This lays the foundation for healthy habits and prepares them to take an active part in fixtures and matches as they move through the School.
Drama
Drama provides children with opportunities to express themselves confidently. They practise projecting their voices, learning simple lines, acting out scenarios, and performing to others. Through drama, children develop creativity, empathy, and self-assurance. Drama links closely to the books the children learn in English.
Outdoor Owls
Once a week, children spend an extended afternoon learning outdoors. In our forest school–inspired sessions, they observe seasonal changes, build dens, create nature-inspired art, and engage in imaginative play. These sessions nurture independence, teamwork, resilience, and a strong connection with the natural world.
Departmental Staff
Miss Jenny Bains
— Junior Teacher; Head of Lower School Maths
Mrs Selbi Fryer
— Head of Pre-Prep
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“Reception is, without question, one of the most magical places in the Under School. The progress children make over the course of the year - socially, emotionally, and academically - is remarkable and unlike any other stage. To be part of their very first steps in school life is a true privilege, and one we hold with great care and responsibility. ”
— Mrs Selbi Fryer, Head of Pre-Prep
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