Classes

Welcome to Chestnut

Teacher:  Mrs Jeffries

Teaching Assistant:  Miss Allen

Hello and welcome to Chestnut Class. I’m Mrs Jeffries, the class teacher. I have over 30 years’ experience working with young children in a variety of roles, including many years supporting children with special educational needs (SEN). I am passionate about early years education and believe a strong partnership between teachers and parents is essential to build a confident foundation for every child’s learning.

Chestnut Class is Reception and Year 1. We follow a rich, play-based curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our classroom is a place where every child is respected and encouraged to follow their own ideas — creating a fun, busy and stimulating environment. We use meaningful, engaging topics to spark children’s imagination and curiosity, so their skills can grow and they gain the confidence to make choices and take safe risks. These experiences give us valuable insight into each child’s strengths and needs — this is where the learning journey begins.

Year 1 children also take part in continuous provision, which we call “Discovery Time.” This is integrated into our timetable and complements small-group focused teaching.

We are fortunate to have a large classroom and an extensive outdoor play area, allowing children to free-flow between indoor and outdoor learning. We regularly adapt and improve our learning environment to meet the children’s interests and developmental needs.

On this page you can find examples of what your child has been learning in class. We hope you enjoy these snapshots and that you will share them with your child.

Phonics, Reading and Writing

When the children join us in reception they will be already on their reading journey. Within a couple of weeks of starting school, the children will be taught phonics daily, using the Read Write Inc. programme. In addition to learning the sounds, the children will be able to identify tricky words (also known as common exception words). These words cannot be sounded out and the children need to be able to read these by sight. At Oakhill, we follow Read Write Inc. programme by Ruth Miskin.

For more information on Read Write inc. please visit the website: https://www.ruthmiskin.com/ 

Maths

In Chestnut class, Maths is a very practical subject based around play and loose parts. We focus heavily upon learning and really understanding the language of maths. We follow the White Rose maths scheme for EYFS.

Tapestry

In Chestnut class, we use an online learning profile called ‘Tapestry’. Tapestry is a useful resource as it allows us to share the learning the children have made in school with you through written observations, photographs and video recordings. It also allows you to upload any learning the children have done at home. You can also communicate to the class teacher via the messenger tab.

Chestnut Reminders

• Please name your child’s clothing – we want to reunite any lost clothing to their owners!
• Please ensure your child brings their reading book and reading diaries into school each day.
• Please provide your child with a named water bottle – this must contain water only.
• Show and tell items – your child is encouraged to bring in any special items from home to share with the class although they cannot specifically be toys. Please talk with your child about the reason behind them wanting to bring something special from home in; why is the item special to them? If it is something they have found such as a feather or birds’ nest; can they tell us where they found it and who it might have belonged to?

Welcome to Elm

Teacher: Miss Bodinar

Hello, my name is Miss Bodinar and I teach year 2, 3 and 4 in Elm Class.

All about me

I have been teaching at Oakhill since September 2018. I went to University in Birmingham to do my teaching degree. Before coming to Oakhill, I worked in a nursery for 5 years. I have a special birthday because I was born on leap year. I have a younger brother called Oliver who lives in Newfoundland, Canada.

In school

I wanted to become a teacher after being inspired by a couple of my primary school teachers. In the words of Nelson Mandela ‘Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world’. It is such an honour to be able to inspire the children on their journey through school especially as they enter Key stage 1. In school I enjoy teaching phonics and reading, history and have a passion for science. I love being able to help produce the nativity each year as I love Christmas!

Outside of school

I am in a local carnival club which attends the Somerset Guy Fawkes circuits in November. I spend time fundraising and helping to build our cart. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on holiday and sewing. I love going to the theatre and my favourite shows which I have seen are There’s something about Jamie, Dream girls and Matilda.

Welcome to Elm Class!

We are a mixed year 2, 3 and 4 class. We continue our passion for learning from the foundation stage but promote independence as we learn together in a happy and supportive environment.

In Elm class we are a family. We recognise and celebrate each other’s unique talents and are always willing to help others in a kind and respectful way. Our classroom is a place where we are inspired to learn and feel comfortable to takes risks and learn from our mistakes.

Our day begins with a calming morning activity which prepares us for a day of learning.

Welcome to Oak

Teacher:  Mrs Auton

Teacher:  Mr Swarbrooke

Oak Class is a mixed year 4, year 5 and year 6 class

Homework

Homework is set every Friday and should be returned the following Friday. Tasks will include spellings, reading, and activities to strengthen mathematics foundations.

PE

PE lessons take place on Thursdays and Fridays. Please ensure your child comes to school wearing their PE kit on these days. They should also bring a water bottle and a healthy snack to stay energised.

Topics & Text – 2025.2026

All About Mrs Auton

I was born in Kent, England and have also lived in Essex. When I was young, I moved to the Midsomer Norton area and have stayed living in the same area since. I have a 12-year-old cocker spaniel called Tilly and she is very cheeky. I enjoy taking her on walks however when it is cold, she prefers to hide in bed!

Before teaching, I studied psychology at the University of South Wales and then trained to be a teacher at Bath Spa in 2017. 

When I am not teaching, I like to travel- especially to cities. My favourite city that I have visited was Budapest as the architecture was beautiful. I also enjoy music and going to music festivals. (Glastonbury is my favourite). My favourite singers are Taylor Swift and Harry Styles and my favourite song is Blank Space by Taylor Swift.

I am also a keen football fan. I enjoy watching football and have a dream to watch a game at Anfield one day. I also enjoy having debates with children such as who is better: Messi or Ronaldo? Or which football team is the best? (I think Liverpool!)

I love teaching because every day is different and exciting. There are lots of fun things to do and I like seeing children passionate about their learning. I also like to see children grow in confidence and achieve things they have wanted to do. In school, my favourite subjects to teach are history and geography. I also have a passion for reading and writing and love seeing children demonstrate their creativity through writing. My favourite children's author is Roald Dahl and my favourite books are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. 

Favourite colour: Green

Favourite sport: Football

Favourite team: Liverpool 

Favourite Disney character: Olaf 

All About Mr Swarbooke

My vision for high-quality education is to create experiences that empower every child to become a confident, successful learner. I am committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning and believe that every child deserves teachers who believe in them and can meet their individual needs.

To achieve this, I advocate for a rich and diverse curriculum that extends beyond the classroom, offering opportunities for children to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop a sense of intrinsic joy in learning. This approach is rooted in strong values, high expectations, and a shared sense of global responsibility—while ensuring that fun remains at the heart of the journey.