What makes a brilliant reception class

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and a fabulous reception teacher? In your opinion?

Thank you!

...Oh, and a male teacher; the boys LOVE him!

I agree with most posters so far and would add? A group of staff that have good understanding of the wide ranging developmental needs of this age range; that make my DC feel special; that see him/her as an individual and can meet their individual needs, not just follow a curriculum; that can successfully balance the needs of my child with the differing needs of the other 29 in the class (no mean feat); that foster a love of school and of learning; that take account of the children?s life experiences, but don?t use them as an excuse to barriers to achievement; that focus of social development and help them learn how school works?. The list goes on.

Thanks so much for all your replies. I guess I was asking with a purpose in mind! I'm a teacher - have been teaching yr1 for the last 8 years or so and nursery for a few years before that. Now have a mixed 2/3 class but not in UK and in a system where the children usually start reading and writing a year later than in many English schools.

I am coming back to UK and am torn between looking for jobs teaching reception and year 1. I haven't lived in UK for 15 years so am a bit nervous and although I think I am a good teacher and hope I know good early years practice, I thought it might be good to canvas parents to see what they are looking for

The class I am currently teaching has 16 kids but most have a language other than English as their mother tongue. We have pretty good resources - smartboards in every classroom, lots of educational games and resources but we really lack space both inside the classroom and out.

I'll (hopefully!) get some interviews for jobs soon. Thanks everyone for your opinions which have been most useful

Lots of imagination and observant to what the children are enjoying to be able to develop and extend fun and interesting activities.
Kind but fairl strict-able to exert authority

A class where my DC want to be and are happy, confident children. learning should be fun and no homework is given. Lots of outdoor stuff and varied activities for them to explore.
teachers who understand their individual needs and their particular strengths.

Seeker has been spot on and said nothing offensive IMO. I feel for the kids of pushy parents.

Agree with most of the points already made, especially about engendering respect for the teachers and their classmates, and being keenly observant about children's individual personalities, strengths and weaknesses.

And as a Reception teacher, please spare a thought for the poor old parents! It can be really hard sending a child to school for the first time, especially if the child is shy or a bit 'young' for their school year.

I think it's important to get the parents on side so that they can talk positively about school with their child and help them work through any problems. Don't slam the door in their faces - encourage them to spend a bit of time in the classroom now and then.

And try and have a quick word once or twice a week, even if it's just to say something like 'your DC had a good day today, played really nicely', or 'they are doing well with overcoming problem x'. Otherwise it's just like sending your child off to spend the day with a bunch of strangers and it's hard to know how to respond to questions and reactions from the child about things that have happened at school.

I think some of the 'MN obsession with reading levels' is about the fact that going up a reading level is a RARE piece of solid feedback about how the child is actually doing. It seems nigh on impossible for a Reception age child to talk about their day - how they are feeling about school etc, so it's important for the school to communicate regularly with the parents on their behalf.

A dedicated, knowledgeable and happy class teacher, an excellent management team with good relationships with all staff. A teacher who is happy to use different methods for different children (e.g. confident enough not to think that there is only one right way of teaching a subject). A teacher who has a good understanding of child psychology. Classes which are a good size, e.g. not too small (I am not worried about big classes as there will be a teaching assistant to assist the class teacher).

A flexible, creative teacher who loves kids that age.

A wonderful TA who can help kids laugh, mop tears and accidents, practice phonics, and generally keep everyone cheerful.

Parents who talk to each other and their kids' teacher, in the spirit of supporting the class as a whole.

If the OP is asking because they want to be a fabulous reception teacher, and care that much, then I would also say: you

Totally agree with Seeker; even if Tarquin or Jayden can be trained to do Hard Sums - why? If they are able/gifted, they should be broadening their knowledge and experience, learning about other cultures and languages, learning new skills such as modelling and knitting, learning a musical instrument or philosophy, not racing through the dullest tunnel towards early SATs, early GCSEs and early boredom with education.

Ms ds Reception teacher, made a big effort to catch up with him in Y1 this after school. She's devoted to her job and clearly loves the children. I felt completely secure knowing she was looking after him. She's also a bit regimental but kind and compassionate - a right Mary Poppins!

And try and have a quick word once or twice a week, even if it's just to say something like 'your DC had a good day today, played really nicely', or 'they are doing well with overcoming problem x'

WELL SAID shipping forecast

Elibean, thank you . Actually I DO really strongly believe that teaching is a partnership, especially in the first years of school. Its interesting how few posters have mentioned reading levels and pushing children academically and how many have stressed the importance of communication, a loving and nurtering environment, promoting an atmosphere of happy and spontaneous learning. I always tell new parents that if their children look forward to coming to school each day, then the battle is won (not sure I should refer to education as a battle but I hope you get my jist!). I feel you can teach happy and enthusiastic children most things but if a young child is worried or frightened of failure or hates his class, then every little task becomes a struggle.

Thank you all for helping me to write my covering application letters and for confirming what I already believe and, hopefully, practice

A teacher who is happy to use different methods for different children (e.g. confident enough not to think that there is only one right way of teaching a subject).

Dikkerkertje dap, a colleague of mine taught me that if a child doesn't understand what you are teaching, it should never be seen as a failure in the child but the responsibility of the teacher to find another way to teach the concept.

As another (non-teacher) friend said "there's more than one way to wash the dishes"