Children learn best when they follow their own interests. They have a natural desire to explore, communicate, create and learn. Anna Ephgrave has developed her practice to ensure this is possible. Children thrive when a setting is organised and managed by the adults, but led by the children. They learn and develop if they are in a stimulating environment which is carefully organised and when observations are used to support their "next steps". They take risks and surpass expectations when they have clear routines and boundaries, combined with a supportive staff and an enabling environment. The Reception Year in Action offers a unique insight into the workings of a highly successful reception class as it progresses through a complete academic year. Covering all aspects of working with young children, the book clearly explains how the classroom and garden are organised and the boundaries that are in place to keep children safe, happy and free to explore and learn. It then sets out the examples of learning and development that occurred during each month, as well as any surprises, activities and examples of "next steps" that came about as a result of events. At each stage Anna Ephgrave gives the reason behind the decisions and shows what the outcomes have been for the children. Key features include: explanation of a system of spontaneous planning detailed advice on how to use different environments to support play and learning guidance on the role of the adult and working with parents ways to support children’s individual interests, cirumstances and talents including those with special needs and English as an additional language photocopiable pages of planning sheets, record keeping sheets, sample letters to parents and role play resources over 150 full-colour photographs to illustrate practice list of resources and materials examples of recorded observations and planning for next steps foreword by Helen Bilton. This book aims to inspire teachers by giving them the practical ideas, and evidence of success, to work in a way that is rewarding, manageable and, above all, best for the children in their care.

‘The Reception Year in Action will take the understanding of outdoor play, teaching and learning to a new level. Everyone who is involved with early years education and care should read this book!’ Helen Bilton, University of Reading, UK ‘This is a fantastic book... it shows exactly how an excellent reception class is organised and run. There is a clear theoretical underpinning to the practice described and the photos really bring the text alive.’ Margaret Edgington, independent early years consultant and trainer Children thrive when a reception class is organised and managed by the adults, but led by the children. They learn and develop if they are in a stimulating environment which is carefully organised and when observations are used to support their ‘next steps’. They take risks and surpass expectations when they have clear routines and boundaries, combined with a supportive staff and an enabling environment. The Reception Year in Action offers a unique insight into the workings of a highly successful Reception class as it progresses through a complete academic year. The book covers all aspects of practice from the organisation of the classroom and garden and the rationale behind this to the routines and boundaries that ensure children are safe, happy and therefore able to explore and learn. It tracks the events of each month in the year, paying particular attention to the environment, the role of the adult, links with parents, children’s individual needs and the key areas of learning and development. At each stage Anna Ephgrave gives the reason behind each decision and shows what the outcomes have been for the children. This revised edition has been updated to show how the methods described complement the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and how the planning system has been received under the new Ofsted framework. Key Features include: photocopiable pages of planning sheets, record keeping sheets, sample letters to parents and role play resources also available for download; over 150 full-colour photographs to illustrate practice; lists of resources and materials; examples of recorded observations and planning for next steps; guidance on what to look for when assessing children’s progress. Written by an advanced skills teacher who is gaining national recognition for her practice, this book provides teachers with the practical ideas and evidence of success to work with confidence in a way that is rewarding, manageable and, above all, best for the children.

The Reception Year in Action offers a unique insight into the workings of a highly successful Reception class as it progresses through a complete academic year. The book covers all aspects of practice from the organisation of the classroom and garden and the rationale behind this to the routines and boundaries that ensure children are safe, happy and therefore able to explore and learn. It tracks the events of each month in the year, paying particular attention to the environment, the role of the adult, links with parents, children's individual needs and the key areas of learning and development. At each stage Anna Ephgrave gives the reason behind each decision and shows what the outcomes have been for the children.

Provides everything you need to slot into your medium term plan.

'The Reception Year in Actionwill take the understanding of outdoor play, teaching and learning to a new level. Everyone who is involved with early years education and care should read this book!' Helen Bilton, University of Reading, UK 'This is a fantastic book... it shows exactly how an excellent reception class is organised and run. There is a clear theoretical underpinning to the practice described and the photos really bring the text alive.' Margaret Edgington, independent early years consultant and trainer Children thrive when a reception class is organised and managed by the adults, but led by the children. They learn and develop if they are in a stimulating environment which is carefully organised and when observations are used to support their 'next steps'. They take risks and surpass expectations when they have clear routines and boundaries, combined with a supportive staff and an enabling environment. The Reception Year in Actionoffers a unique insight into the workings of a highly successful Reception class as it progresses through a complete academic year. The book covers all aspects of practice from the organisation of the classroom and garden and the rationale behind this to the routines and boundaries that ensure children are safe, happy and therefore able to explore and learn. It tracks the events of each month in the year, paying particular attention to the environment, the role of the adult, links with parents, children's individual needs and the key areas of learning and development. At each stage Anna Ephgrave gives the reason behind each decision and shows what the outcomes have been for the children. This revised edition has been updated to show how the methods described complement the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and how the planning system has been received under the new Ofsted framework. Key Features include: photocopiable pages of planning sheets, record keeping sheets, sample letters to parents and role play resources also available for download; over 150 full-colour photographs to illustrate practice; lists of resources and materials; examples of recorded observations and planning for next steps; guidance on what to look for when assessing children's progress. Written by an advanced skills teacher who is gaining national recognition for her practice, this book provides teachers with the practical ideas and evidence of success to work with confidence in a way that is rewarding, manageable and, above all, best for the children.

Now its fourth edition, Planning an Appropriate Curriculum in the Early Years offers a comprehensive guide for early years practitioners and students on how to plan and implement a suitable curriculum for the children in an Early Years setting. It examines the key roles and responsibilities of practitioners working in Early Years settings and those with responsibility for leading and managing provision for EYFS in primary schools. Completely revised and updated in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, latest research evidence and OFSTED requirements, this book covers the following aspects of the Early Years including: what we mean by planning an appropriate curriculum in the early years; transition from nursery to school and into Year 1; defining quality learning and play in the early years assessment procedures and examples; integration of two-year-olds into school; the role played by parents and carers in children’s learning and development; the ways in which vulnerable children are provided for; examples of planning material developed by practitioners. With case studies of good practice and questions for reflective practice and group work, this timely fourth edition will be welcomed by students and practitioners looking to provide high quality and effective learning experiences for the under-fives.

Reception, it's a funny old term, rather like a waiting room, a foyer, or a gathering place before the main event. The main event here being the start of Key Stage One and school life. Reception has in many ways been seen as a 'holding pen', a preparation for 'school readiness' rather than a stage and age in its own right. Neil Farmer draws upon his experience of working with and supporting schools and leaders up and down the country and abroad – in many instances going right back to the basics – and putting forward suggestions and strategies that will assist teachers in gaining an ownership of their classroom and a true understanding of their vital role as a facilitator, mediator and coach. It is not a 'one cap fits all solution', but rather some practical tips that Reception teachers may decide to employ, alter and make their own.