Reception

Nurturing early learners

At Long Close School, we believe in empowering young minds during their Early Years to become confident learners, eager to explore and master new skills. Our School Reception is dedicated to providing accessible and enjoyable education that taps into children's innate curiosity, forming the foundation for an engaging curriculum.

Our children embark on an enriching journey filled with diverse educational experiences both indoors and amidst our purpose-built, free-flowing facility. With its own captivating outdoor garden and Forest School classroom, our nurturing environment fosters a love for learning through exploration and play.

Jump down to:

Curriculum
Our Approach
Learning Support
Forest School

Download the Early Years Handbook

My daughter settled well right from day one; I am really impressed with her overall development.

– Parent, Long Close School

An environment that encourages growth

As a part of our high-achieving educational establishment, our early years benefit from a focus on excellent academics right from the start.

Small class sizes and individualised learning approaches ensure each child and their family feels a sense of belonging, fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment.

What's included

Weekly Forest School classes
Dance, Music, Yoga, and PE lessons by specialist teachers
Spanish and Read Write Inc. phonics from age 2 (Unique Model School Status)
Swimming lessons for Reception children
Enclosed outdoor play area
Healthy, home-cooked meals and snacks

Weekly sessions include:

PE
Music
Dance

Spanish
Swimming
Yoga

Fencing
Enrichment

Curriculum

Encouraging a love for learning

Our Reception children embark on a captivating child-led curriculum that nurtures their curiosity and excitement, instilling a genuine love for learning and fostering a joyful school experience.We prioritise independence, nurture learning, and offer challenges to extend growth. As a Read Write Inc. Model School, students enjoy daily phonics classes with optional one-to-one support for extra help or accelerated progress.

As an all-through school, we leverage specialist teachers from our Prep and Senior School to enhance our children's daily learning experiences, along with weekly Music, Spanish, PE, Dance, and ICT lessons. We ensure a harmonious home-school connection by supporting parents through regular workshops and updates via our online portal, Tapestry. Our children explore learning through various methods, including whole-class sessions, 1:1 sessions, small group activities, and free-flow independent learning.

Our Approach

Creating confident learners

Small Class Sizes

Children learn in small class sizes, with tailored provision for every child.

Read Write Inc. Model School

The Read, Write Inc. phonics scheme continues every day, where the children learn in small groups, to ensure that

the basic building blocks of learning to read are embedded. We are the only Independent School in the UK to have model school status. Read Write Inc. phonics continue into our Prep School curriculum.

Intervention

Throughout Reception, we’ll continue to work closely with each child to ensure their abilities across all areas of the curriculum develop, providing

challenges where they’re required to get pupils to go the extra mile and offering support and additional help to those who are finding particular subject areas more difficult.

Transition to Year 1

During their time in Reception, we’re mindful of what challenges await our pupils when they move into Year 1, and we do our

best to prepare them for life further up the school by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge they’ll need to thrive.

Join us on a personal tour of the School

We would be delighted to invite you to our wonderful school and share with you what makes Long Close School the first choice school for so many families.

Book a personal tour

Learning Support

Supporting children's learning

We welcome children of all abilities to our Early Years program, taking immense pride in their remarkable progress relative to their starting points. Recognised by our dedicated school inspectors, this progress fuels our commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for every young learner.

Each child receives personalised attention through our Individualised Learning Plan. Our trained staff closely assess progress, working with parents and our special educational needs coordinator to create tailored Individual Education Plans when necessary. Our Learning Support Assistant provides one-on-one assistance to children with learning difficulties. With small class sizes and a strong commitment to inclusivity, Long Close School ensures equal access to high-quality teaching for all.

Forest School

New ways of teaching

At Long Close School, our weekly Forest School sessions, led by Mrs. Brindley, our dedicated Forest School Leader and First Aider, instil a deep connection with nature, boosting confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through hands-on experiences year-round.

Our Forest School aims to nurture an outdoor community, empowering children to think freely and feel valued. Through self-led activities and exposure to tools, they encounter safe challenges across seasons, fostering holistic development. Led by qualified practitioners, our program instils confidence and independence, ensuring a safe, enriching woodland experience.

Aspire to Continuity

Long Close School's seamless journey from Nursery to GCSEs

Our unique educational pathway, offers a consistent and integrated learning experience from the early years in Nursery right through to Senior schooling, culminating in GCSEs, ideal for families seeking a stable and continuous educational journey for their children.

Your child's learning journey