Starting Reception is an exciting milestone, but choosing the right setting can feel overwhelming. A school’s early years provision lays the foundation not only for academic success, but for confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning.
When visiting schools, it’s important to look beyond the displays and facilities and ask thoughtful questions about how children are supported day to day. Here are some key areas to consider:
What Phonics Scheme Do You Follow?
Early reading is one of the most important building blocks in Reception and at Wandsworth Prep we follow the xxxx scheme. We read with the children 1-1 at least three times a week to ensure that children are supported and stretched. The children also have daily small group phonics sessions that are tailored to their level so that those that need extra help are supported and others are stretched and challenged to ensure that all children are making progress and gaining confidence in their phonics knowledge.
How Are Behaviour and Rewards Managed?
A positive behaviour culture should feel calm, consistent and encouraging. Ask how the school promotes positive behaviour and kindness. Are rewards focused on effort and values as well as achievement? Reception children thrive in environments where expectations are clear and praise builds self-esteem. As part of our house system, children can earn house points as rewards and to praise positive behaviour.
How Much Free Flow Play Is There?
In a strong Reception setting, learning is carefully balanced between adult-led teaching and child-initiated free flow play. Ask how much time children spend exploring independently, both indoors and outdoors. High-quality play develops problem-solving, communication skills, creativity and resilience — all essential foundations for later learning. Our outside area is loved by our children and with a dedicated early years area and doors that go directly out to the area, the children are able to enjoy free flow play throughout the day.
Are Reception Children Fully Integrated into School Life?
We want to ensure that Reception feels like a special and nurturing environment, but children also benefit from feeling part of the wider school community. The children attend assemblies, have parent showcases like in the other years and take part in events, performances and themed days. We believe that integrating the children from day 1 helps them build confidence and a sense of belonging from the very start.
What Is the Transition to Year 1 Like?
The move from Reception (EYFS) into Year 1 can be significant, as learning becomes more structured. At Wandsworth Prep due to our size all the children know the teachers, so transitions to new classes is easier than in larger settings. However we also help the children when talking to them about the end of the summer term and the return in September to a new class. We have a moving up morning where the children spend the morning with their new teacher in their class to ensure that the children move forward secure and ready for the next step.
The right Reception class should feel warm, purposeful and joyful. You should see children who are happy, engaged and confident, and staff who know their pupils well.
Trust your instincts as a parent. Ask questions. Observe how children interact. A strong start in Reception sets the tone for the whole school journey ahead.
If you’d like to experience our Reception and Early Years please contact admissions@wandsworthprep.com to arrange a tour.
