Reception at Vita et Pax
Building Strong Foundations for Life
Reception is where school life truly begins. Our warm, expert team delivers the EYFS curriculum in a nurturing environment where every 4 and 5-year-old is encouraged to explore, question and grow in confidence.
A Warm, Expert Welcome
Reception at Vita et Pax is a genuinely exciting time. Your child joins a small, close-knit class of up to 16 children and is taught by an experienced class teacher supported by a dedicated teaching assistant — ensuring every child is seen, known and supported.
Children who join us from our Nursery transition seamlessly — there's no need to reapply, and they arrive already knowing their teachers, their classmates and the rhythm of school life. For new starters, our team ensures every child is quickly settled and happy.
By the end of Reception, children leave as enthusiastic, capable learners — reading independently, writing with confidence and genuinely excited about what comes next.
- Maximum 16 children — every child is known by name
- Experienced class teacher plus dedicated teaching assistant
- Seamless transition from Nursery — no reapplication required
- Synthetic phonics programme from day one
- Specialist teaching in PE, Music and Spanish
- Freshly prepared hot lunches every day
- Wrap-around care available from 7:30am to 6pm
- Catholic foundation, warmly welcoming all faiths
The Reception Curriculum
Early Years Foundation StageReception follows the full statutory EYFS framework, carefully planned to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes your child will carry through their entire education.
Communication & Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social & Emotional
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts & Design
Phonics Excellence
We use a rigorous synthetic phonics programme from the very first week of Reception. Children learn to decode and blend sounds confidently, building the foundation for fluent, joyful reading.
By the end of Reception, the vast majority of our children are reading independently — often well ahead of national expectations.
Specialist Teaching in Reception
Unlike many primary schools, Reception children at Vita et Pax benefit from specialist teachers in key subjects — giving them an enriched experience from their very first year of school.
Physical Education
Specialist PE teaching builds coordination, teamwork and a lifelong love of movement.
Music
Dedicated music lessons develop listening, creativity and expression through singing and instruments.
Spanish
Early language learning with a specialist teacher gives children an extraordinary cognitive and cultural advantage.
The Reception School Day
A full, purposeful day
Reception Fees
Transparent PricingOur fees are charged termly and represent outstanding value for a small-class, specialist-taught independent school education.
Reception – Year 2
Sibling discounts available. Families with more than one child at the school benefit from a 5% discount for the second child and 10% for the third child and beyond.
View Full Fee ScheduleA Seamless Transition
From Nursery to ReceptionWhether your child is coming from our Nursery or joining us fresh from another setting, our team works hard to make the transition into Reception as smooth and exciting as possible.
From Our Nursery
Children who have been with us in Nursery move into Reception without any need to reapply. They already know the building, many of their teachers and — most importantly — their friends. The step up feels natural and exciting, not daunting.
- No reapplication required for Nursery children
- Familiar faces — same building, same team
- Transition visits built into the Summer term
- Detailed handover from Nursery to Reception staff
Joining from Another Setting
New children are warmly welcomed. Our experienced Reception team is skilled at helping children settle quickly, make friends and feel at home. Most children are thoroughly at ease within their first week.
- Taster visit arranged before the term starts
- Buddy system — a class friend to show them the ropes
- Open communication with parents throughout settling-in
- SENCO support available where needed
What to Expect: Your First Year
Book a Visit
Come and see the school. Meet the team. Ask your questions.
Apply
Complete our admissions form. We'll keep you informed throughout.
Taster Day
Your child spends time with us. We get to know them.
September Start
Your child joins Reception, settles in, and begins to shine.
What Reception Parents Say
From Our Families"We have been attending Vita et Pax playgroup since Oct 2024 and my daughter loves it. The staff are incredibly friendly, welcoming and engaging. The activities available are brilliant for the little ones. Highly recommend!"
— A A, Mother"My little one grew unhappy in her previous nursery so I moved her to Vita and she is thriving. The teachers here are kind and really understanding regarding the children's needs and circumstances. All my 3 children have been really happy here."
— Erina S, Mother"Just wanted to say a big thank you to all for making my child have a lovely time at nursery. He has had lots of fun and his confidence has come on so much."
— G C, MotherLife in Reception
Learning in Action 
Reception FAQs
Common QuestionsEverything you need to know about Reception at Vita et Pax. Still have questions? Contact our admissions team — we're always happy to help.
What age does my child need to be for Reception?
Children must turn 4 by 31 August to be eligible for Reception the following September. Reception at Vita et Pax is for children aged 4–5. If you are unsure about your child's eligibility, please contact our admissions team.
Does my child need to attend your nursery first?
No. While children from our Nursery transition seamlessly into Reception, we warmly welcome new families applying directly for a Reception place. We encourage all prospective families to book a visit so we can get to know your child and show you around the school.
What does a typical day look like in Reception?
The Reception day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm (with optional Breakfast Club from 7:30am and After-School Care until 6pm). The morning includes phonics, literacy and numeracy. After a freshly prepared hot lunch, the afternoon covers topic work, creative arts and free-flow play. Specialist PE, Music and Spanish are timetabled throughout the week.
How do you teach reading and phonics?
We use a rigorous synthetic phonics programme from the very first week of Reception. Children have daily dedicated phonics sessions, small group support where needed, and take-home reading books matched to their level. By the end of Reception, the majority of our children are reading independently — often well ahead of national expectations.
Are school meals included in the fees?
A meals and materials charge covers freshly prepared hot lunches and classroom consumables. This is charged separately from tuition fees and is not subject to VAT. Please refer to our fee schedule for the current amounts, or ask our admissions team.
What is the class size in Reception?
Reception classes at Vita et Pax have a maximum of 16 children. Each class is taught by an experienced class teacher supported by a dedicated teaching assistant, ensuring every child is known, seen and supported.
Do you offer wrap-around care for Reception children?
Yes. We offer a Breakfast Club from 7:30am and After-School Care until 6:00pm, Monday to Friday during term time. This gives families a flexible window of care staffed by familiar members of our school team.
How do you support children with additional needs?
We have a dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who works with class teachers, parents and external professionals to ensure children with additional needs are fully supported. Our small class sizes mean every child receives the attention they need, and we work closely with families from the very beginning.
What happens after Reception?
After Reception, children move into Year 1 at Vita et Pax, continuing their education through to Year 6. Our pupils go on to excellent senior schools across North London and beyond. No reapplication is required to continue from Reception into Year 1.
When should I apply for a Reception place?
We recommend applying as early as possible, ideally 12–18 months before your child's intended September start. Places in our small Reception class fill quickly. The first step is to book a school visit — use our online enquiry form or call us on 020 8449 8336.
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Come and Meet Us
Book a Reception visit todayThe best way to understand what makes Vita et Pax special is to come and see it. We'd love to show you around and answer every question you have about Reception.
