Autumn 1 2026

Welcome to Chestnut Class. We are so looking forward to working together this year. This term our topic is ‘Marvellous Me’. We will be taking the time to settle into school and learning all about new routines, transitions and expectations. As well as learning all about ourselves, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Through a range of exciting activities, we will be exploring our families, our feelings and emotions, our likes and dislikes, and the things that make us special.

We will have opportunities to share information about ourselves, learn about our class, and develop new friendships as we settle into Reception. We will also be exploring changing seasons and learning about the importance of Harvest Festival, including how communities come together to help others. To support the learning of our topic ‘Marvellous Me’ and ‘Harvest Festival’, we will be using some of the following familiar stories:

Marvellous Me

• Our class is a family
• What makes me a me
• I am almost always kind

Harvest

• Leaf man
• Seasons
• Squirrels that Squabble
• It’s a No Money Day
• The Little Red Hen
• Chapatti Moon

Whilst we will be focusing on establishing positive routines, the children will also begin taking part in short daily Phonics and Mastering Number sessions. This year, we will be following the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme, which will support the children in developing their early reading and writing skills through fun, engaging and systematic lessons. In mathematics, we will be focusing on following the NCETM Mastering Number programme which is closely linked to White Rose Maths and uses approaches such as Numberblocks. We will be learning through practical activities, stories, songs and games. Children will develop a strong understanding of basic number knowledge (0-5) and build confidence with early mathematical concepts.

Reminders:

PE will be on a Tuesday, so please wear your PE uniform to school on these days.

Please do not send children to school with large bags, we do not have the space to store them. Packed lunches will be stored in a box or a trolley when the children enter school, so a book bag is more than sufficient. If your child is prone to accidents, please can you supply a spare change of clothes in a labelled carrier bag or in their book bag.

Please ensure no items are brought from home to school unless they are essential to learning or transitional/support devices previously agreed with school.

Communication:

Please contact the school office either by telephone 01252 871188 or email enquiries@newlands.hants.sch.uk

For direct contact with the teacher, please use the above methods to request a meeting or telephone call. Teachers are available for brief handover in Reception at drop off and for all children at the end of the day.

Please allow 48 hours for a response.

We look forward to a fun-filled year of learning together!

Miss Ross and Mrs Ridley.