Reception Update
Friday 7th November 2025
We hope you all had a wonderful half term. We hope you had wonderful adventures, enjoyed family time and got lots of sleep.
The children have come back well rested and (mostly) cold free.
Wake and Shake
This term, we’ve introduced a fun new addition to our EYFS timetable — a daily “Wake and Shake” session! Each afternoon after lunch, the children take part in a short burst of movement and music to help them feel energised, focused, and ready to learn.
These lively sessions support physical development, coordination, and wellbeing, while encouraging a positive start to the afternoon. The children have loved joining in with the songs and dances, and it’s been a wonderful way to build community and have fun together.
This term, we’re moving and grooving to Kylie’s “Spinning Around”! 🎵
Pumpkins 🎃
We have loved all the pumpkin activities this week. We have been painting, cutting and making pumpkins which has been great fun.
Christmas Show 🎄
The EYFS Christmas Show will take place on:
-
Wednesday 10th December at 2:00pm, and
-
Thursday 11th December at 9:30am
More information to follow — we can’t wait to see you there!
Lambeth Goes to Japan ✈️
Over half-term, Lambeth, the Willow Class pet, went on an exciting adventure with Mr. Lewis — all the way to Japan!
He had so many incredible experiences, though he decided not to try an “eggtopus”!
Library Visit 📚
Both Holly and Willow classes enjoyed their trips to Raynes Park Library, where they learned about how the library works and helped create colourful bunting for a display.
A huge thank you to the children for representing Hollymount so beautifully, and to the parent helpers — we couldn’t have done it without you!
School Library Books 📚
In addition to their regular reading book, children are now bringing home a “Reading for Pleasure” book from the Hollymount library.
📅 These are given out on Wednesdays and should be returned on Mondays.
Phonics 📖
This half-term, we are learning the following phonemes and tricky words:
Week 1
Phonemes: ff (puff), ll (bell), ss (mess), j (jellyfish)
Tricky words: put, pull, full, as
Week 2
Phonemes: v (volcano), w (wave), x (box), y (yoyo)
Tricky words: and, has, his, her
Week 3
Phonemes: z (zebra), qu (queen), ch (cherries)
Tricky words: go, no, to, into
Week 4
Phonemes: sh (shell), th (thumb), ng (ring), nk (pink)
Tricky words: she, he, of, go
For a guide of how to pronounce these sounds, click here
Blending is a key to the children's next step in their reading journeys. Whilst lots of children are blending now, there are always some who find it tricky. What can seem like a simple task is very difficult for some and that is perfectly natural. Persistence is usually the key and the more they do, the sooner the penny will drop.
If you want to know what it is and how to help us teach it, watch here
Maths ➕
In maths, we’ve been exploring the concepts of one more and one less, and learning to describe 2D shapes using mathematical language.
Classlist App 📱
Classlist is a great way for parents to connect and stay in touch. Both Willow and Holly classes have active groups, and the class reps would love for everyone to join!
If you haven’t signed up yet, please see your class reps for details.
Fund
Thank you for everyone who has brought in fund. It is so helpful. This money goes towards buying consumables, play-dough ingredients, extra art supplies, and anything else that comes up when planning for our varied curriculum. Just see your class teacher or classroom assistant for more information.
Topic
After reading Julian is a Mermaid, we really enjoyed decorating our own mermaid tails and working out how to draw our own mermaids (and mermen).
Digital Camera Donation
Ms Madriaga is on the hunt for anyone who would like to donate an older digital camera. This is for the Computing Curriculum and looking and using a range of technology.
This donation would be a gift to the school and the camera would need to be able to be turned on and cleared of all previous photos.
If you can help, please reach out to Ms Madriaga directly or go through the office.
All the best,
The Reception Team
Useful information
Nut and Sesame Free School
We are a nut and sesame–free school. Some children have severe allergies, so please check all packaging for any food that is brought in, whether for packed lunches or birthday treats. Please note that this also includes foods such as hummus, pesto and seeded breads. Please also cut grapes in half to avoid a choking hazard.
Snacks
The children have access to fruit throughout the day, so there is no need to bring snacks for school time. The only snacks required are for after-school clubs.
Bags
We have limited space in the classroom, so please do not send rucksacks. Every child needs to bring a school bag. Please see the office if you need to purchase one. If your child is prone to toilet accidents, a drawstring bag with spare clothes, kept at school, would be very helpful.
Pick-up
Pick-up from Reception is at 3:10 p.m. This is purposefully 5 minutes earlier than the rest of the school. If you are also collecting a child further up the school, please collect your Reception child first.
Dance and PE
On days with either dance or PE, children are asked to come to school in their Hollymount PE kit which they will wear all day. PE and dance will officially start for Reception from Monday 15th. From the 15th, PE kit is to be worn on PE and Dance days detailed below.
Willow Class - Tue (PE), Thu (Dance), Fri (PE)
Holly Class - Tue (PE), Friday (Dance & PE)
