At Lowther Endowed School, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 children learn together in a mixed-age classroom. This unique setting offers a supportive and familiar environment that naturally eases the transition from Reception to Year 1.

To support this transition within the mixed-age classroom, we:

• Foster a sense of community and belonging by encouraging collaboration and friendships across year groups, helping Reception children feel confident alongside older peers.

• Provide differentiated learning opportunities tailored to each child’s stage of development, ensuring Reception children are supported to build on their early learning while gradually engaging with Year 1 expectations.

• Maintain a play-based, exploratory learning environment that continues into Year 1, blending child-led activities with more structured tasks, so children move seamlessly through their learning journey.

• Use consistent classroom routines and familiar adults to promote stability and security as children progress.

• Encourage Reception children to observe and learn from Year 1 and Year 2 peers, fostering independence, curiosity, and resilience.

• Share detailed information about each child’s progress and needs between staff to ensure ongoing personalised support.

• Engage parents and carers in the process, sharing how their child is supported in the mixed-age setting and how they can help at home.

This approach ensures children experience a smooth and confident progression from Reception to Year 1, benefiting from continuity, peer learning, and a nurturing classroom community.