Welcome to Hardwick Class!
Hardwick Class is where we welcome the youngest learners into school to begin their learning journey. The children in this class are either in nursery (pre-school) or reception (the first year of school.) They are taught by Mrs Hurton and supported by Mrs Hargreaves and Mrs Tannahill.
The children in this class have the best of both worlds - learning through play, exploration and communication whilst being able to join in with the day to day life of the whole school. Children in Hardwick follow the Early Years Framework. More information about this curriculum can be found here.
Daily Routine:
In Hardwick we complete phonics and maths learning in the mornings and have plenty of time to explore and play in our continuous provision both indoors and outdoors. Then in the afternoons we learn about our topic through a range of activities, as well as RE, PHSE, music, PE and 'Forest Friends'. Each term we introduce a new topic and use continuous provision themed around this topic.
Useful information for parents of children starting reception in September:
PACEY_preparingforschool_guide.pdf
DCC Ready for school leaflet.pdf
reading-with-your-child-booklet-for-parents - Book Trust.pdf
Ready for school - talking skills.pdf
Ready for school - sharing books.pdf
ready-for-school-listening-skills.pdf
steps-to-starting-school.pdf
Phonics
The children in Hardwick Class also take part in daily phonics sessions. We follow the 'Little Wandle' program to enable the children to learn their letters and sounds. More information for parents can be found here.
Reading
Pie Corbett’s Reading Spine is a core of books that create a living library inside a child’s mind. It is a store of classics and essential reads that help children engage at a deeper level and enter the world of the story. Please follow the links below to give you an idea of some of the possible reading spines for each year group.
Mathematics
Mathematics in Hardwick class is taught daily through National Centre of Excellence and Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and through White Rose Maths schemes. Click on links for more information NCETM scheme White Rose scheme
Autumn 1 Term 2025
Phonics
As a mixed aged class, we have a 2-year cycle of planning. Our autumn term topic is a history focus theme ‘Discovers’. The title of our topic is:
What toys did our grandparents play with?
We begin our school year by discovering the past. We will look toys for the past and compare them to current toys. We will also be making some worry dolls.
Long term overview linked to Early Learning Goals (cycle B) see school website-curriculum
In our stand-alone subjects, we will be studying:
|
Subject |
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
|
PE |
Athletics |
Dance |
|
PSHE |
Relationships |
Exploring Emotions |
|
RE |
Which stories are special and why? |
Why do Christians perform Nativity plays at Christmas |
|
Music |
Me! |
My Stories |
Thinking of applying for a place for your child?
Please contact the school office (01773 852216) to arrange a tour of the school.
You can apply for a reception place from November 2025 through Derbyshire County Council by following the link here.
For nursery places, please contact Mrs Smith.
Thank you