Willow is our Reception class where the children spend their first year at school and begin their exciting journey in Education. Mrs Whitton is the EYFS Lead and oversees a fantastic team of dedicated staff. Mrs Hibberts teaches on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Mrs Whitton teaches on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The class is also supported by a fantastic team of Teaching Assistants. All the adults in Willow Class are creative, enthusiastic and hard working; they always put the children first in everything they do. When not at work they enjoy going to the theatre, exercising, making crafts, socialising and spending time with their families.
Willow Class are very lucky to have a dedicated EYFS classroom that was completed in November 2020, offering exciting indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Lambley Primary is in a beautiful location and staff make the most of outdoor learning. Willow class go on a weekly ‘Welly Walk’ on a Wednesday, run with the support of parent helpers and volunteers. This provides brilliant opportunities for the children to learn about the world around them and enjoy the outdoors. It is beneficial to their health and well-being but they do get rather muddy!
In Willow, there are daily phonics sessions (following the Little Wandle Early Reading Programme), maths and literacy learning activities led by the adults. You will also see the children busy playing in the continuous provision but they are actually busy learning and exploring together to further their education. Learning through play is a fundamental element of the curriculum and free flow between the inside and outside provision during ‘Choosing’ time is encouraged. The children are supported to become independent learners so the environment is set out to invite child-initiated learning. During these times, one of the adults often comes along side the children to join in their learning fun or to take note of the amazing ideas, cooperation, communication and creativity that they see.
