How effectively do your Reception Baseline Assessment processes support your children, the team, teaching and learning?

Phil Armstrong and Sarah Carey are joined by Helen Bingham, Early Years Lead at the Aspire Trust to discuss the impact of the EExREC tool. Together, they explore the challenges of Baseline Assessment practices and explore EExREC – a new, holistic assessment tool designed to support meaningful practice and provision at the start of the Reception year. The conversation highlights the impact of EExREC in providing well-informed data, supporting professional development, enabling evaluations to inform practice and giving insight into each unique child.

Spark reflection and inspire impactful Reception Baseline Assessment in your school.

Are you responsible for leading impactful improvement in the EYFS?

In this episode, Kate Eastwood, Director of Early Years at Quest Trust, shares her focus development projects to establish a progressive curriculum, embed effective provision and to expand Nursery provision with the DfE funding. The discussion explores the implementation and impact of a high-quality text curriculum and the importance of creating inspiring learning environments which connect to the curriculum. Hear key leadership messages about the value of CPD, collaboration, ongoing evaluation and strategic planning in achieving educational excellence in the early years.

Tune in to reflect on leading change through collaboration, strategy, and professional growth.

Are you an aspiring leader, considering progression into a Headship?

Join Becky Sawford, Head Teacher at Crosshall Infant School Academy Trust and hear about her journey into Headship. Becky shares her experiences from starting as a new teacher to becoming a senior leader and then taking the step into Headship. The conversation explores the challenges and successes she has faced, from financial management and budgeting to building strong relationships with staff and parents. She offers valuable advice for aspiring Headteachers, reflecting on the rewards and responsibilities of the role.

Tune in for this insightful discussion on leadership development and embracing the role of becoming a new Headteacher!

Are you looking to rapidly transform practice and provision in KS1?

Hear from Helen Davidson-McMullen, Headteacher at Wheldon Infant and Nursery Schools as she discusses her recent rapid development journey to overhaul practice and provision across the whole of KS1. Find out how the Early Excellence KS1 Roadshow was the catalyst for change, helping to crytsalise Helen’s vision. Reflect on her strategic plans, staff training and the steps of the improvement journey to improve the children’s learning outcomes. Discover the overwhelmingly positive impact on the children’s behaviour, mental health, and engagement, emphasising the value of innovation and flexibility in teaching.

A must-listen for anyone looking to reimagine their KS1 pedagogy!

Episode Links

Join our KS1 Roadshow at a venue near you

Are you striving to support all children to learn, develop and achieve success?

Listen to Victoria Pettett, Headteacher of Westlands Primary School, as she shares her school’s journey to strengthen teaching and learning approaches that effectively support, engage and meet the needs of children with SEND. Victoria discusses the power of play-based learning, the importance of nurture spaces and creating enabling learning environments. She talks specifically about bespoke provisions in her school and the successful impact of these approaches for those children across her school with SEND.

This is an insightful conversation exploring both strategic thinking and practical ideas!

Explore how we can help with the needs of children with SEND in the Early Years

Is strengthening EYFS practice your school improvement priority?

Hear from Executive Head Teacher Howard Seymour about the critical importance of early years education. Howard shares insights from his extensive career, detailing his journey to better understand and support young learners in the EYFS. He discusses successful development projects, underpinned by CPD for staff, professional discussions to develop a shared understanding and creating a positive climate for learning through high expectations and enabling learning environments.

This thoughtful discussion with practical tips is an invaluable listen for any Leader!

Are you keen to explore how to implement continuous provision in KS1?

Join Kristy Gerrity, senior leader at Larkfield Primary School, as she shares the school’s journey in embedding continuous provision into KS1. Kristy discusses how play-based learning can create a rich, engaging environment that fosters children’s natural curiosity and exploration, and reflects on the challenges of resource management, the impact of staff development, and the power of observing children in action. With practical tips and insights, this episode is packed with strategies to help schools implement continuous provision in KS1.

Tune in for practical advice and inspiration from the front line of continuous provision in KS1!

Are you navigating the challenge of higher numbers of children with significant needs in your school?

Listen to Anna Wells, fresh from Headship, talk about her strategic thinking and successful improvement project to better support the needs of children with high levels of SEND in her school. Anna discusses many key points including her rationale, specific professional development, ensuring an inclusive community and she explains the journey to create a bespoke provision and a tailored curriculum to enable the success and progress of all children.

An invaluable listen for any Leader seeking practical advice or considering a similar development journey.