Miss Allen, AKS Prep Reception Teacher

PUBLISHED 20 May 2020

“Miss Allen has been fantastic with all the children and has made it fun for them all whilst learning” (Reception Parent, May 2020)

How long have you been at the school?

Fresh out of university, I began my teaching career at Arnold Junior School in 1992. I spent the first seven years teaching either Year 1 or 2, under the superb leadership of the infant staff at the time who nurtured and guided me into the teacher I am today.

How long have you been a Reception teacher?

After seven years of teaching either Year 1 or Year 2, I was asked to teach in Reception - the thought of it terrified me initially because going from Year 2 to the children just starting on their school journey was such a jump. It was a move that I began with trepidation but now look back on with much pleasure and pride as I think of the number of children I have taught in their first, important year of school. Today, I still get butterflies in my tummy on the first day of school in September…. just like many of the children do.

What's the best thing about being a Reception teacher?

Reception is such a rewarding and fulfilling year group to teach. It is the time when the children begin to form many of their positive attitudes towards their learning and behavioural expectations are embedded. The firm foundations are laid for the future years ahead.

What makes you most proud of the children?

I am always so proud of the children's personal achievements in Reception – it can be the big milestones that have been achieved such as reading a book independently for the first time or just a little steppingstone. They are all equally, big achievements when you are 4 and 5 years old.

The children are so enthusiastic, have a thirst for wanting to know more, are willing to try out their own ideas, say exactly what they are thinking, and it is this approach to learning that makes me want to stay in Reception year in, year out.