Welcome to Year 1

The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory, government test. During the check, children will be asked to read 40 words. Most words are real, but some will be pseudo- words (alien words). Pseudo-words ensure children are using their decoding skills and not just relying on their memory of words read before. Some children may misread pseudo-words because they look similar to familiar words, therefore, each pseudo-word is clearly identified with an image of an alien.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check occurs in June during the summer term. Children will undertake the Phonics Screening Check in a one-to-one setting with a teacher. It usually takes less than 10 minutes.

If you child does not meet the expected level, they will receive additional phonics teaching and support in school. They will re-take the screening in Year 2.

In Year 1, we visit King's Park and Beaulieu Motor Museum and Beaulieu Palace House. We also hold many visitor events throughout the year such as our annual Grandparents Afternoon and Car Wash events.

Each day, your child should come equipped with their reading journal (signed daily), their reading book, a named water bottle, a named, waterproof coat. In the summer we ask for a named sunhat and sun cream to be brought into school. Pencils and other writing equipment are provided in our classrooms. Snack and milk are also provided daily. Please ensure that all jumpers and cardigans are named.

Your child should read at least five times a week. They should also complete their weekly phonics home learning tasks and 10 minutes of Doodle Maths three times a week.

Daily reading is fundamental to children’s progress, and we appreciate any support with reading. This could be a mix of the child reading to you and you reading to them as well. Your child’s reading record contains all the GPCs your child has learned in EYFS plus the ones they will learn in Year 1. It also contains all the common exception words too.

 Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Mastering Numbers is a maths hub providing a programme to be taught in school. It aims to teach mastery in mathematics inlcuding mathematical thinking, fluency, variation, and representations. Through these regular sessions children will continue to improve and consolidate their mathematical knowledge and skills, developing a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.