We are incredibly proud to be a Department for Education (DfE) Lead School within the RISE Reception Networks programme for the East Midlands region, with a particular focus on Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Our Reception Network is now fully established and running successfully, bringing together early years practitioners and leaders from schools across the region to share effective practice, collaborate and strengthen Reception provision.

Purpose of the RISE Reception Networks Programme

Reception Networks form part of the government’s Best Start in Life strategy and the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) universal offer. Their aim is to support schools in improving the quality of Reception-year provision and contribute towards the national target of 75% of children achieving a Good Level of Development by 2028.

These networks are school-led and locally delivered, with a strong focus on collaboration, professional development and sharing effective, evidence-informed Reception practice.

Each network is led by a Reception Network Lead School, recognised for its strengths in early years provision and leadership, working alongside other schools to support continuous improvement.

Our Role as a Lead School

As a Reception Network Lead School, we are actively supporting schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through a programme of professional learning, collaboration and shared practice.

Our network is now up and running, with regular opportunities for schools to connect, learn from one another and explore approaches to strengthening Reception provision.

Our ongoing work includes:

  • Half-termly virtual network meetings, bringing together Reception practitioners, early years leaders and senior leaders to share experiences, explore key priorities and discuss effective practice.
  • Reception open days and school visits, welcoming colleagues into our provision to observe practice in action, engage with staff and children, and take part in professional discussions.
  • Sharing resources and strategies, including practical approaches to developing communication and language, high-quality adult interactions, enabling environments and effective early years leadership.
  • Working collaboratively with local and national partners, including English Hubs, Maths Hubs and other early years organisations, to signpost support and promote evidence-informed practice.
  • Building a supportive professional network, providing opportunities for schools to celebrate successes, discuss challenges and learn from one another.

Our Network in Action

We have already welcomed colleagues from across the region to our virtual network meetings and Reception open days at Rowlatts Mead Primary Academy.

These sessions have provided valuable opportunities to share our own early years journey, showcase developments within our Reception provision and facilitate open, collaborative discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing schools.

We are continuing to develop the network in response to feedback from participating schools, ensuring that future meetings and events remain relevant, practical and supportive.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, building a strong and collaborative network that helps every child get the best possible start to their education.