Welcome to Larch Team / Year 1
Class Teacher - Mrs Crewe-Devein
Class Support - Mrs Pargeter
We are looking forward to a great term of learning and developing valuable skills. We know that the children are only in school for six and a half hours a day so we need parent’s support to ensure children reach the highest standards. Working together in partnership will make a significant difference to learning.
This half term, PE will take place on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Please come to school wearing PE on both days.
If you need to get in contact with me for any reason, please email:admin@maplecross.herts.sch.uk. I will aim to respond no later than 48 hours from receiving your email.
Please send your child into school with a water bottle everyday and a healthy snack for morning break.
Homework is set on a Friday and should be returned the following Friday.
We look forward to a great term!
Mrs Crewe-Devein
Year 1 Continuous Provision
What is continuous provision?
Continuous play-based learning is the approach where children learn through play, guided by teachers and other staff who support their development. At Maple Cross we believe that this provides our learners with the best opportunities to develop themselves through explorative play.
Continuous provision takes place throughout EYFS and up until the end of year 1. This is a time for children to embed skills and revisit learning that has previously been taught. It allows all children to follow their own interests with purposeful learning inside or outside the classroom. During this time, adults have the opportunity to scaffold learning to the individual child’s needs, taking a holistic approach.
It’s a practical time to address misconceptions through children actively completing self-chosen challenges. Children also learn from each other, test their resilience, and have opportunities to become successful learners.
Children do not change overnight from Reception to Year 1 and learning should meet the children's needs rather than making children fit the pre-determined classroom. Our learning environments should be fit for the modern world we live within.
Play-based learning supports:
Language development
Social and emotional skills
Creativity and problem-solving
Self-directed learning provides opportunities for cognitive development.
It's not just us that thinks play based learning has a positive impact on learning. OFSTED (2021) encourages schools to support a smooth transition and use developmentally appropriate pedagogy in Year 1 and Development Matters / Birth to 5 Matters stresses the importance of play continuing into Key Stage 1.
Pascal & Bertram (2016) – Continuous provision increases motivation and engagement.
Timpany (2020) – Play supports retention and depth of understanding.
Whitebread et al. (2012) – Play enhances self-regulation and executive function.
Adults within continuous provision are not merely supervising, they are teaching in the moment. They use their interactions to;
o Extend vocabulary
o Model thinking
o Scaffold learning
o Pose challenges
In essence, continuous provision is not a step back from formal learning but the bridge that ensures children remain engaged, motivated, and ready to thrive. By valuing play as purposeful, responsive, and deeply rooted in research, we create an environment where every child can grow into a confident, independent, and curious learner, well prepared for the challenges of their future education.
Autumn Term 25 Letter
Welcome to Year 1 and Mrs Devein introduction
Spring Term 25 Letter
Spring Term Newsletter