Reception - The Roundhouse
Welcome to The Roundhouse
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In Reception, children have regular access to The Roundhouse, a unique learning space that forms an important part of our Early Years provision. Each class uses the Roundhouse as their main learning environment for part of the year, sharing access so that all children are able to experience and benefit from this special space.
The Roundhouse provides a calm, immersive environment where learning is driven by conversation, storytelling, exploration and shared experiences. While the space itself offers rich opportunities for imaginative and meaningful learning, it also reflects our wider approach to teaching in Early Years.
Screen Free Learning
Across our Early Years provision, teaching is intentionally screen free. We have carefully considered the growing discussion around the impact of screens on young children’s learning and have chosen to prioritise real-life interaction, communication and hands-on experiences instead. Stoke Primary School has been part of wider education discussion both in TES and The Guardian, exploring how reducing screen use can support deeper engagement, stronger communication skills and richer learning experiences for young children.
Within the Roundhouse, stories are brought to life through storytelling, role play, music, movement and collaborative exploration. Children engage directly with books, objects and artefacts that spark curiosity and imagination, allowing them to ask questions, share ideas and explore new concepts together.
Key learning moments take full advantage of manipulatives and high quality interactions in order to encourage children to give deeper into their experiences.
Language and communication sit at the heart of every experience in the Roundhouse. Adults guide discussion carefully, modelling rich vocabulary and encouraging children to explain their thinking, listen to others and build on shared ideas. These interactions create powerful opportunities for sustained shared thinking between adults and children.
By prioritising conversation, imagination and real-life experiences, the Roundhouse supports children in developing confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. These experiences also help prepare children for their transition into Year One, strengthening the listening skills, attention and communication that underpin successful learning in the years ahead.
Read more about The Roundhouse in the link below!