Every day they learn to embrace the school core values of kindness, collaboration, resilience and creativity.

Focus on RAPS’ speciality arts provision is a key focus, with teachers keen for every child to find their own way to express themselves, whether that's through art, music, imaginative play, building or exploring.

Reception teacher Alice Piper added: “Friendships and independence are important – our young pupils have been busy making new friends, learning our routines and becoming more confident and independent.

“There are also lots of opportunities for children to explore, investigate, create and develop their own ideas through play. Our outdoor play centre and the mud kitchen have been particularly popular.”

The group has enjoyed visits to see the school’s chickens and rabbits on the main field which has been a treat.

In the classroom phonics is high on the list of priorities with the children starting their daily Read Write Inc lessons, as they begin to recognise and learn their sounds.

Assistant Head Teacher Louise Chidwick-Day is Early years lead. She said: “We are so proud of how well our new reception children have settled into life at RAPS and how they have already become established members of our school community. It has been lovely to work with the children and their families to make their transition into school such a smooth process.”

Head Teacher Nick Budge added: “Lots of smiles, plenty of varying activities, and lessons with the accent on fun learning has seen our Reception classes off to a terrific start.

“They are making really positive strides into their education and personal development, even at this early stage, and our Early Years team is encouraging, supporting and enabling them to integrate and enjoy life at RAPS.”

Ramsgate Arts Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust with its partner schools Chilton Primary in Ramsgate and Upton Juniors in Broadstairs.

**Contact Head Teacher Nick Budge on 01843 582847.