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Hardwick - Nursery/Reception

Welcome to Hardwick Class!
 
Hardwick Class is where we welcome the youngest learners into school to begin their learning journey. The children in this class are either in nursery (pre-school) or reception (the first year of school.) They are taught by Mrs Hurton and  supported by Mrs Hargreaves and Mrs Tannahill. 
 
The children in this class have the best of both worlds - learning through play, exploration and communication whilst being able to join in with the day to day life of the whole school. Children in Hardwick follow the Early Years Framework. More information about this curriculum can be found here.
 
Daily Routine:
In Hardwick we complete phonics and maths learning in the mornings and have plenty of time to explore and play in our continuous provision both indoors and outdoors. Then in the afternoons we learn about our topic through a range of activities, as well as RE, PHSE, music, PE and 'Forest Friends'. Each term we introduce a new topic and use continuous provision themed around this topic.
Useful information for parents of children starting reception in September:
PACEY_preparingforschool_guide.pdf
DCC Ready for school leaflet.pdf
reading-with-your-child-booklet-for-parents - Book Trust.pdf
Ready for school - talking skills.pdf
Ready for school - sharing books.pdf
ready-for-school-listening-skills.pdf
steps-to-starting-school.pdf
Phonics
 
The children in Hardwick Class also take part in daily phonics sessions. We follow the 'Little Wandle' program to enable the children to learn their letters and sounds. More information for parents can be found here.
Reading
 
Pie Corbett’s Reading Spine is a core of books that create a living library inside a child’s mind. It is a store of classics and essential reads that help children engage at a deeper level and enter the world of the story.  Please follow the links below to give you an idea of some of the possible reading spines for each year group.
Nursery Reading Spine
Reception Reading Spine
Mathematics
 
 Mathematics in Hardwick class is taught daily through National Centre of Excellence and Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and through White Rose Maths schemes. Click on links for more information  NCETM scheme  White Rose scheme
Spring Term 3 2026
 
Phonics:
Nursery children will continue to learn sounds through our Little Wandle Scheme. The sounds for this term are: 
Children in reception will learn:
 
 Maths

This term we are looking at numbers to 10. Representing numbers to 10, including 0, subitising numbers (looking without counting), one more and one less of numbers to 10. Mass and capacity, finding a balance for weight, understanding ‘full’ and ‘empty’  using containers and using items to fill containers, such as cubes.

Topic

Our theme for this term is ‘Where can we go on our next adventure?’. We will look at the country Australia. Where it is on a map and globe, what animals live there, Aboriginal art, and make dream catchers.

 

Subject                Spring 1

PE                                     Dodgeball

PSHE                                Exploring Emotions

RE                                     What times are special and why?

Music                                 Everyone!

Autumn Term 2 2025

 

Phonics

Nursey children will now begin to learn sounds through our scheme ‘Little Wandle’.

The sounds for this term are: s, a, t, p, i, n, 

 

Children in reception will learn: j, v, w, x, y, z, qu, ch, sh, th, ng, nk.

Please see: https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/.

 

Maths

This term we are looking at numbers to 5. Representing numbers to 5, subitising numbers (looking without counting), one more and one less of numbers to 5 and 2D shapes.

 

Topic

As a mixed aged class, we have a 2-year cycle of planning. Our autumn term 2 topic is:

 ‘What is a festival’ 

We will look at different celebrations such as Bonfire night, birthdays, weddings, Christenings, Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas. Learning about traditions and exploring how they are celebrated. 

In our stand-alone subjects, we will be studying:

 

Subject  

Autumn 2

PE

Dance

PSHE

Being Healthy

RE

Why do Christians perform Nativity plays at Christmas

Music

My Stories

 

Autumn 1 Term 2025

 Phonics

As a mixed aged class, we have a 2-year cycle of planning. Our autumn term topic is a history focus theme ‘Discovers’. The title of our topic is:

 

What toys did our grandparents play with?

 

We begin our school year by discovering the past. We will look toys for the past and compare them to current toys. We will also be making some worry dolls.

 

Long term overview linked to Early Learning Goals (cycle B) see school website-curriculum  

 

In our stand-alone subjects, we will be studying:

Subject

Autumn 1

 

PE

Athletics

 

PSHE

Relationships

 

RE

Which stories are special and why?

 

Music

Me!

 

 

Thinking of applying for a place for your child? 
Please contact the school office (01773 852216) to arrange a tour of the school.
 
You can apply for a reception place from November 2025 through Derbyshire County Council by following the link here.
 
For nursery places, please contact Mrs Smith.
 
Thank you