There are two reception classes each with twenty two children in.  There is a ratio of one Teacher per class supported by three full time Teaching Assistants that support both classes.  All staff work as a team and meet both informally and formally once a week in order to plan effective provision, prepare resources and review assessments for the EYFS Unit.

The EYFS Unit has three classroom areas that  are fully resourced to meet the learning and development needs of young children.  There is also a large secure outdoor area that is used to support the children's learning.  The children have access to this area from all three classrooms.

We aim to make the entry into school as smooth as possible, enabling the children to feel secure and happy in their environment.  The majority of our children have accessed Early Years provision in Bacup Nursery and other local settings.  In the summer term staff visit the nurseries to observe the children at play and introduce themselves.  We liase with the nursery staff to discuss prospective pupils and enhance our background knowledge, highlighting any children with specific needs.  this information then feeds into the individual Learning Journeys.

Parents/Carers are invited to a meeting to welcome them to Thorn Primary School and meet staff, visit the EYFS Unit and tour the school.  Through this meeting the school's expectations and routines are communicated.  The induction process and reception curriculum are also introduced.  The school brochure and necessary documentation are given to Parents/Carers.  The children are invited to spend two afternoons in school during the summer term to familiarise them with the environment and meet all staff.  Children go home with a pre-school activity booklet that provides information for both the staff and their Learning Journey.