PE in Reception

At Hillcross we believe that Physical Education (PE) is an important aspect of children's overall development and a crucial part of developing a healthy lifestyle.  We aim to foster an interest and enjoyment in physical activity, sport and games that will stay with them throughout an active and healthy life.  Through an extensive programme of activities, our children will also develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills as well as an appreciation of fair play and honest competition. The children are also encouraged to think carefully about the effects of exercise on their bodies.

Children in Reception will begin PE after the October half-term. All children will come to school dressed in their full PE kit on their PE day. Details of which day the Reception children will have PE will be sent to parents in September.

Reception PE Kit

PE sweatshirt with school logo. White T-shirt with a round collar. Plain black jogging bottoms or thick black leggings (no logos). Plain black shorts or thick black cycling shorts (no logos). Black indoor plimsolls or trainers for indoor sports (These must not have been worn outside to protect the gym floor).  Not required until after Christmas Black outside trainers for outdoor sports (In the sports arena or field). School logo drawstring PE bag to store kit. *Please note earrings must be removed or covered with plaster (please provide plasters).

*These items can be ordered through the online school uniform shop at www.mapac.com

In the Spring Term, all children will be required to have indoor plimsolls or indoor trainers in school all the time. These should be sent to school in a Hillcross PE bag and will be kept on your child’s peg.

Promoting Independence

Although the children will not be required to get changed for PE, we will be asking children to remove their shoes, socks and jumpers when taking part in gymnastics in the school gym. They will also be putting on, fastening and removing their coats a number of times across the school day in order to access the outside area and will need to know how to manage their clothing when using the toilet.  Independence is a key skill that is taught in Reception, and we suggest that all families help their child by beginning to encourage their children to dress and undress independently during the summer in preparation for starting school. Buttons, laces and zips can often cause difficulties, so practice fastening and unfastening these at home too.

To ease your child’s transition and promote their independence, we would also suggest that they do not wear multiple layers under their school uniform. The Reception unit is very warm and a simple vest under their T-shirt, along with a school jumper, is sufficient in the winter months. We also discourage the wearing of shorts on top of underwear, underneath dresses for hygiene reasons.