--- title: "Year R" url: "https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-r" school: "Lyminster Primary School" --- # Year R ### Welcome to Donaldson Class ![Miss C Smith](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/360x480c/people/008.jpg) #### Miss C Smith ##### Class Teacher ![Mrs L Washington](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/360x480c/people/011.jpg) #### Mrs L Washington ##### Class Teacher In Reception at Lyminster Primary School we aim to provide a happy and secure environment where children can thrive and develop as unique individuals. We offer a creative and balanced curriculum, providing opportunities for children to pursue their own ideas and interests. We know that children learn through play and exploration, and therefore we provide a combination of play-based learning, both inside and out, with adult-directed activities and opportunities for independent learning and challenge. We support pupils to become independent learners; self confident and resilient learners able to overcome difficulties and experience success. We achieve this by providing the children with first hand learning experiences rooted in purposeful play. Our aim is to ensure that your child will develop positive attitudes to learning and will develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. We promote positive partnerships with parents and carers and together we will ensure your child has a fulfilling first year at Lyminster Primary School! ### Enabling Environments in Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments/2-1.png)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments/2-1.png) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments/5-1.png)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments/5-1.png) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments/6-1.png)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments/6-1.png) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments/8.png)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments/8.png) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments/10.png)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments/10.png) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5167.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5167.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5177.JPG)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5177.JPG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5178.JPG)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5178.JPG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5179.JPG)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/IMG_5179.JPG) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/mark_making_1(1).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/mark_making_1(1).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/the_world_7(1).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/the_world_7(1).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7063_1y2vcxed09wjw18p0th5zmvxm5bjqw2m(2).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7063_1y2vcxed09wjw18p0th5zmvxm5bjqw2m(2).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7080_jef9z04m1wh5dw9gq2xtwrw71112bw0w(2).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7080_jef9z04m1wh5dw9gq2xtwrw71112bw0w(2).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7461_ky6rxave3g2g7m9qyz2q41gz0dj18tym(1).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7461_ky6rxave3g2g7m9qyz2q41gz0dj18tym(1).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7863_t6xry5q4qfm7yjpmxq8f77m41v9hejks(2).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/enabling-environments-in-early-years/m_o_7863_t6xry5q4qfm7yjpmxq8f77m41v9hejks(2).jpg) [![](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/images/images/Login-to-Tapestry.png)](https://tapestryjournal.com/) When I start my new school 3.96 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/When_I_come_to_my_new_school_-_PT_meeting_2025.docx) Parent Information Booklet 332 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/Parent_Information_Booklet_2025.pdf) Mark Making Children begin their journey towards writing, not by producing letters and words, but by simply making marks. The marks children begin to make slowly start to have more meaning for them and at first may seem like random swirls but as their fine motor skills develop we see the emergence of circles, lines and dots. To develop our whole body muscles (gross motor) and to control our upper body and shoulders for controlling the marks we make we take part in daily ‘Write dance’ activities. In these sessions we create marks to music using our whole body to perform movements before representing these marks on paper through pictures. Also to support with our fine motor development we regularly exercise our fingers and build up control with our hands by taking part in daily ‘Dough Disco’ activities. As we learn our new sounds we become familiar with letters that we are keen to be able to produce in our mark making as we begin to give our writing meaning. ### Mark Making In Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_5.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_5.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_4.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_4.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_3.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_3.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_2.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_2.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_1.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_1.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_6.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/mark-making-in-early-years/mark_making_6.jpg) Physical Development Physical development contributes to cognitive development – as children move and explore the world they learn about the properties of objects and their own capabilities as they learn to move in a variety of ways with control. Physical development can also help with the maintenance of a healthy weight and the development of strong bones, muscles and heart. We believe that physical development can also help with the development of personal and social skills. We develop our self-confidence as we take safe risks on the scooters and climbing equipment. Avoiding obstacles and navigating the space around them, turn taking and learning to get along with others is also developed through physical activity. ### Physical play in Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/physical-play-in-early-years/physical_2.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/physical-play-in-early-years/physical_2.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/physical-play-in-early-years/physical_1.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/physical-play-in-early-years/physical_1.jpg) Numeracy Early numeracy aims to develop children’s number skills and improve their knowledge and understanding of early mathematical concepts. In Early Years we want to develop children’s ‘number sense’ (their developing understanding of quantity and number) by providing stimulating or pretend activities involving counting or using mathematical language including shape. As part of our provision for numeracy we provide concrete and pictorial resources for children to explore mathematical concepts through tactile experiences and play. ### Numbers in Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_1.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_1.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_2.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_2.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_3.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_3.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_4.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_4.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_5.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/numbers-in-early-years/numbers_5.jpg) Expressive Arts & Design The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. ### Creative play in Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_8.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_8.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_7.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_7.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_6.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_6.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_5.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_5.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_4.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_4.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_3.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_3.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_2.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_2.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_1.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/creative-play-in-early-years/creative_1.jpg) Understanding the World This involves guiding children to make sense of their physical **world** and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology, and the environment. We encourage children to explore and investigate how and why things work and to test out their ideas of what will happen if they do a particular thing like pouring more and more water into a container, for example. ### Understanding the World in Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_8(1).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_8(1).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_7.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_7.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_6.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_6.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_5(2).jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_5(2).jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_4.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_4.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_3.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_3.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_2.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_2.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_1.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/understanding-the-world-in-early-years/the_world_1.jpg) Phonics **Phonics** is a method of teaching **early** reading and writing skills to children, based on linking the way words sound to how they’re spelt. Children are taught to read by pronouncing sounds rather than the letters and recognising the relationship between sounds and letters for example they learn that the letter ‘A’ has the sound of ‘a’ like in the word (a)pple. Through daily phonics teaching using a Read Write Inc approach children are encouraged to mimic and memorise musical rhymes and natural letter sounds, which form the basis of many common words. ### Phonics in Early Years [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/phonics-in-early-years/phonics_3.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/phonics-in-early-years/phonics_3.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/phonics-in-early-years/pnonics_2.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/phonics-in-early-years/pnonics_2.jpg) [![](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/imagecache/720x720s/gallery/phonics-in-early-years/phonics_1.jpg)](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/gallery/phonics-in-early-years/phonics_1.jpg) Home Learning Here are some ideas for home learning that will support your childs learning in Early Years; 1. Sensory Play: Create sensory trays using rice, beans or sand. Add small toys or household items for children to explore texture of practice fine motor skills. This type of play nurtures curiosity and encourages exploration. 2.Storytelling and Reading: Encourage reading at home by creating a cozy reading corner. Use picture books and storytelling props to make the stories interactive. Ask questions about the story to develop comprehension skills. 3.Math Games: Incorporate everyday objects for counting and sorting activities. 4\. Creative Arts and Crafts: Provide materials like paper, crayons, and recycled items for children to create their own art projects. Encourage them to express their ideas through drawing, painting and crafting. 5\. Outdoor Exploration: Take learning outside by going on nature walks. Collect natural objects and discuss their characteristic. This promotes physical activity and an appreciation for nature. 6\. Music and Movement: Incorporate music into learning by singing songs and playing musical instruments. Dance and movement can support coordination and rhythm while making learning fun. ​​​​​​​ Year R Documents Summer 1 Topic Map 40 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/Reception_-_summer_1_Topic_Map_2026.docx) Summer 1 Newsletter 474 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/Reception_Summer_1_2026_newsletter_(1).docx) Reception -Spring 1 -Near and Far - Newsletter (1) 908 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/Reception_-Spring_1_-Near_and_Far_-_Newsletter_(1).docx) Spring 1 2026 Topic Web near and far (1) (1) 44 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/Spring_1_2026_Topic_Web_near_and_far_(1)_(1).docx) Reception - Autumn 2 2025- Let Us Entertain You - Newsletter (1) (1) 898 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/Reception_-_Autumn_2__2025-_Let_Us_Entertain_You_-_Newsletter_(1)%20(1).docx) Autumn Topic Web 36 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/files/documents/EYFS_Curriculum_Map_Topic_Map_Autumn_2(1).docx) ### Related Blog Posts 23 January 2026 ### [Careers Fair 2026](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/blog/2026-01-23-12-51-careers-fair-2026) 9 January 2026 ### [Family Reading](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/blog/2026-01-09-11-22-family-reading) 26 November 2025 ### [Nativity Rehearsal ](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/blog/2025-11-26-08-00-nativity-rehearsal) [View All Posts](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/blog/index/tag:yr%252Call-classes) ### Class Pages - [Year R](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-r) - [Year 1](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-1) - [Year 2](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-2) - [Year 3](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-3) - [Year 4](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-4) - [Year 5](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-5) - [Year 6](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/class-pages/year-6) ![Lyminster Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/lyminster-primary-school/images/logo/Lyminster_logo_with_circle.png) #### Lyminster Primary School Wick Street Littlehampton West Sussex BN17 7JZ 01903 713642 #### Useful Links - [Contact Us](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/contact) - [Curriculum](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/about-us/curriculum) - [Term Dates](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/termdates) - [Key Information](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/about-us/key-information) #### Social Media - [X](https://twitter.com/lyminsterschool) © Copyright 2024–2026 Lyminster Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.lyminster.w-sussex.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)