reception class - expected standards attained

[nicholec]

can anyone tell me what i can expect my child to be doing by the end of the reception year at primary school? should they be reading basic books on their own? have memorised the 100 non phonic words? writing words un aided? i'd love to hear responses.
thanks

I would say reading well up the reading scheme of choice. The average one at our shop starts class 1 on ORT circa level 5, with a few at 4 and a scattering at 10+. Our high frequency words lists for reception comes in bits through the year and probably numbers 150 if they get through all the extension lists. Meant to be doing cursive letters, with full in and out-strokes. Strongest writers will be starting to join, young boys may not be full cursive. Able to write simple sentences (again, weaker end will still be wavering over the page!). Number bonds to 10, ideally 20, counting up and down in twos. Good comfort with adding and substracting in that region, together with 2d shapes, less and more, basic weight comparisons. Life cycle of butterflies, what is alive and what not. Able to manage their bags, coats, taking out snack to the right box and other personal organisational things.
At least, that is what I remember from 3 years ago and feels about right given I have another in reception now.
As ever though, individual achievements vary hugely, as does how much they have each covered, given where they each start.

As you say Michaelahpurple 'individual achievements vary hugely'. Some of what you say some year ones will still be working towards I think.

I am surprised about the cursive letters - certainly not covered in DD's school in reception

That sounds way above what ours are aspiring to too - certainly no cursive, lots doing capitals and backwards letters, and I'm sure my child isn't the only one who can just about get through ORT 1a.

I would say Michaelahpurple's description of academic achievements would be the most able in Reception only - not the "average". Fairly sure DC's school don't even START number bonds in Reception. Agree with the practical type expectations though.

Reading would be cover the full spectrum of abilities. Writing ranging from just being able to form letters correctly to writing simple sentences.

A list of the early years foundation stage targets can be found here nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/84551?uc=force_uj
The "average" child will meet 5 or 6 in each area. The most able will achieve 9.

Ds is in good state primary, its SAT results are well above the national average. However most children are not at ORT level 5 by the time they reach year 1. Only 2 or 3 of the children in ds's class were that level at the beginning of the year and some children could barely read at all. In my experience the average child makes most progress during the latter half of year 1 and year 2.

Sorry - didn't mean to cause any anxiety. London private pre-prep schools I suspect plough on fast, and it could be argued that it is a bit too fast. It becomes a fairly relentless process and I don't know how necessary it truly is in general terms. Lots of looking over shoulders across the market.