EYFS
Our EYFS team are delighted to be supporting children as they start their educational journey at Thurston CE Primary Academy. EYFS is split into two classes, Butterflies and Bees, children spend some of the day being taught specifically in these classes for example for phonics lessons, however much of the time the children and staff free flow between the two adjoining classrooms and have access to the resources of each room including a shared outside space.
Our Team
Our EY classes work very closely together. Children in EY may be taught and supported by all of our EY staff at some point during the school year. Staff work closely together to ensure that the same curriculum coverage and learning opportunities are given to all EY classes.
Early Years Team
| Mrs Chloe Frankland | Butterfly Class teacher Mon-Wed Early Years Leader |
| Mrs Rachael Cole | Butterfly Class teacher Thurs-Fri |
| Mrs Hannah Stephen | Bee Class teacher (On Maternity Leave) |
| Ms Becky Firman | Bee Class teacher |
| Mrs Nikki Menarry | Teaching Assistant |
| Mrs Beverley Gibbs | Teaching Assistant |
| Mrs Donna Parker | HLTA |
| Mrs Sarah Hutchens | Teaching Assistant |
| Mrs Michelle McConnell | Teaching Assistant |
Our aim is to ensure we make every day count, work together to be ‘Truthful, Persevere and Aspire’, with God’s guidance and we hope that your child has a wonderful year with us here in EYFS.
We are a very approachable team and are happy to have a quick chat with you when you drop off or collect your child from school. For any longer queries or needs please arrange a more appropriate time.
Curriculum Coverage Map
Curriculum Newsletters
These will be updated within the first two weeks of each term.
Phonics
In the first instance, we teach your child how to read and write using phonics. Phonics is a method of teaching children to read by linking sounds (phonemes) and the symbols that represent them (graphemes, or letter groups). To find out more about how we teach phonics and how you can help your child please visit our English page.
PE Days
PE days may change throughout the course of the school year on a termly or half termly basis. Please check the curriculum newsletter for the most up to date information. On PE days we ask for children to come to school in their PE kit as this maximises the amount of learning time rather than spending a large portion of the lesson getting changed for PE.
Thurston CE Primary Academy Recommended Reads for Early Years
Below are a selection of our ‘Must Read’ books for children in Early Years. These are high quality texts that we feel will enrich our children’s reading experiences as well as help to take them on a varied reading journey. We recommend these as reading choices at home but we will also use some of these books as part of our learning in school and some we will simply enjoy together as a class story. Re-reading and discussing favourite books is such a valuable part of the reading experience and something that can also be enjoyed as a family. Happy reading!
Getting Ready for School
Here are some things you can practice at home to make sure you are ready for school.
