To lead a team effectively and inspire a continual drive towards excellence requires highest quality leadership. This long-term project will support leaders to deepen their understanding of the multi-faceted nature of their role; ensuring they are able to motivate and inspire their teams, whilst remaining focussed on what matters for young children. The programme has been designed to provide you with many opportunities to reflect upon your own expertise and enrich your professional knowledge of outstanding early years education. Throughout the course you will be invited to participate in variety of a gap tasks. Each will be designed to support you in your leadership journey and there will be opportunities to share and celebrate the groups learning on Day 4.

Day 1: Leading Values
The project will begin by establishing absolute clarity about what we want for young children, taking delegates back to their values and motivations as educators and establishing a clear vision of excellence.

Day 2: Leading Practice
This day will explore how it is essential that leadership is based on secure understandings of best practice, quality provision and the ability to monitor the impact on children’s overall development.

Day 3: Leading People
During this day participants will consider how to effectively manage and lead others. We will explore models of mentoring, performance management and designing effective staff development programmes

Day 4: Leading Accountability
This day will include a review of current approaches to assessment and how data can be used to inform practice and provision both responsively and strategically. We will explore ways of clearly identifying and prioritising areas for development, the process of change and its management. Time will also be given to discuss ways of presenting information to others

Benefits

• Greater confidence in your role as a leader.
• Strategies to support you with successfully leading change.
• Clarity of the relationship between forms of evidence and professional accountability.
• The opportunity to work collaboratively with other early years leaders.

Getting involved in research as an individual practitioner can be highly rewarding, but becoming actively involved as leader takes it to a different level. Join this exciting 3 day programme and become part of these Action Research Communities of Practice to inspire thinking, challenge practice and provoke innovation.

Day One: Learning how to be a researcher
An introduction to Action Research as a cyclic, participative, qualitative and reflective research method -including an overview of the ethical responsibilities of undertaking action research.

Day 2: Challenging Thinking and Honing Skills
Time will be given to refine research projects, links with wider research and planning next steps

Day 3: Reflecting on Learning and Embedding Action Research
Sharing analysis, considering the implications of findings and reflect on individual learning – and the opportunity for sharing the research undertaken with colleagues

Benefits

• Develop criticality and reflexive thinking on subjects pertinent to your personal and professional interests
• The opportunity to generate real change in your school/setting.
• Become part of a research community leading the development of evidenced based practice.

With most schools now having a one day OFSTED inspection, being prepared has never be more important. Section 8 inspections have a particularly strong focus on Leadership, especially the head teacher, and is therefore critical for school leaders to have a secure knowledge of pupil outcomes and the quality of provision in the EYFS; which they can swiftly access and articulate.

Drawing on first-hand experience of Section 8 inspections, this essential course will look in detail at the inspection process, support strategic planning and evaluation of the EYFS; enabling leaders to feel confident that they are as prepared as possible.

Benefits

• Confidence in evaluating your early years.
• Clarity of the Section 8 process.
• Examples of effective self-evaluation and supporting frameworks.

With Ofsted currently making separate judgements about teaching in the EYFS, it is essential for leaders to have a secure knowledge of pupil outcomes and the quality of provision. This course is for senior leaders who wish to ensure that their professional knowledge of the EYFS is up to date. The day will support strategic planning and evaluation of this important stage and further develop skills in holding EYFS leaders to account. It will look in detail at effective assessment including demonstrating and reporting pupil progress, the nature of high quality teaching and the critical significance of the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’. During the afternoon there will a practical workshop exploring what evidence to collate.

Benefits

• Confidence in evaluating your Early Years.
• Examples of effective self-evaluation and supporting frameworks.
• Support from a consultant to review your current evidence.

Effective approaches to assessment and the subsequent use of evidence gathered lie at the heart of good practice and yet it is often the most contentious aspect. The role of observational assessment is critical in enabling practitioners to identify significant aspects of children’s learning and development, to successfully support and facilitate progress. It is a skilled and skilful process, both intuitive and deliberate and is neither clear cut, simple or straightforward
This in-depth course explores all aspects of assessment in the EYFS, including manageable and meaningful approaches to observations, recording and demonstrating progress – and provides opportunities for participants to review and utilise their understanding of the children they work with.

Benefits

• Clarity of how to use assessment to support learning.
• Gain greater confidence in using observation based assessment.
• Examples of strategies and tools to help support effective assessment.

With the ongoing debate surrounding Key Stage 1 SATS and external scrutiny of data across all year groups, it has never been more important for teachers to feel confident that the assessment strategies they are using are effective in ensuring all children make good progress.

This course will explore all aspects of assessment in Key Stage 1 – building on evidence gathered during the EYFS. As well as considering statutory assessments; through the use of case studies delegates will consider how assessment can be used to successfully support planning and identify needs for individuals and groups of children.

Benefits

• Confidence in using assessment to plan effectively.
• Clarity of how to build on EYFS data sets.
• Practical examples of assessment strategies to use in school.

Schools that know themselves well move forward with confidence and effective strategic planning and review ensures that all they do is fit for purpose. This course, for headteachers and senior leaders, will develop your leadership strengths and skills and focus on the most effective approaches for leading improvement and monitoring at KS1, including building on children’s learning and progress at the EYFS.

The new inspection schedule places a great deal of emphasis on pupil progress. Leaders can feel uncertain and may lack confidence to discuss progress and attainment across KS1. Through activities and thought provoking discussions this course is designed to give you greater confidence in evidencing and articulating children’s progress. You will end the day able to talk about children’s progress with confidence, using data to support school improvement.

Benefits

• A clear understanding of how to use data more effectively.
• Greater confidence in articulating progress.
• Practical strategies to support the development of assessment procedures.

Getting it right from the start is critical for every child. This course has been specifically designed to give newly appointed headteachers with limited early years’ experience a thorough introduction to everything they need to know.
The day will begin by providing delegates with a detailed overview of the statutory requirements for the EYFS; including the safeguarding and welfare requirements. Participants will then explore what is best practice and how to confidently observe learning in the early years. We will then go on to consider how to give effective and constructive feedback to your early years practitioners. Time will also be spent supporting you with how to understand and interpret EYFS data to enable you to use it effectively use it for school improvement purposes.

Benefits

• A clear understanding of the statutory requirements for the EYFS.
• Knowledge of the key features of continuous provision and planning in the Early Years.
• Resources to support you with monitoring and evaluating practice.

Taking on a leadership role within a school is exciting, challenging and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a greater difference, being able to influence others by supporting, guiding and mentoring the quality of teaching and learning.
To support new leaders, these introductory courses will explore the responsibilities of the role. We will consider effective ways to develop a shared understanding of what is quality practice within the specific Key Stage and effective strategies to improve teaching across the whole team. The day will be a mixture of input and group learning relevant to Early Years enabling participants to gain new knowledge, discuss shared concerns and reflect on their own practice.

Benefits

• Confidence to know what is quality provision and practice.
• Tools for use as part of staff development or mentoring.
• Practical ideas to help you strategically manage your new role.

Taking on a leadership role within a school is exciting, challenging and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a greater difference, being able to influence others by supporting, guiding and mentoring the quality of teaching and learning.
To support new leaders, these introductory courses will explore the responsibilities of the role. We will consider effective ways to develop a shared understanding of what is quality practice within the specific Key Stage and effective strategies to improve teaching across the whole team. The day will be a mixture of input and group learning relevant to KS1, enabling participants to gain new knowledge, discuss shared concerns and reflect on their own practice.

Benefits:

• Confidence to know what is quality provision and practice.
• Tools for use as part of staff development or mentoring.
• Practical ideas to help you strategically manage your new role.

The quality of teaching in the early years is greatly enhanced by the knowledge of leaders in supporting and challenging best practice. This course will outline the important features of outstanding practice in the early years. It will offer leaders the opportunity to discuss how outstanding teaching can be enabled and how it should be monitored
By the end of the course delegates should feel more confident as advocates for the education experiences of the youngest children in their schools and better equipped to lead and develop practice across their team.

Benefits

• A clear understanding of the key features of quality Early Years practice.
• Strategies to support with leading the development of others.
• Greater confidence as an Early Years leader.

School effectiveness is judged not only on the quality of teaching and the impact it has on outcomes, but on the way leaders strives to ensure excellence for every child.
This in-depth one day course will focus on how KS1 leaders create and embed a vision for learning and teaching which enables excellence for all learners. During the day you will consider a range of evidence based approaches to enable quality teaching and learning. The course will explore how to build a culture of excellence, develop consistency of quality and practical tools to help you achieve your vision.

Benefits

• A clear understanding of the key features of outstanding KS1 practice.
• Strategies to support with leading the development of others.
• Greater confidence as a Key Stage 1 leader.

With significant scrutiny on the impact of both pupil premium and early years’ pupil premium funding, it is essential that those responsible for making use of this funding maximise its impact.
By exploring case studies from a diverse range of schools and unpicking the approaches used to the spending of premium funding in the EYFS and KS1, this course will help leaders to explore how best to support the learning and development of those children in receipt of the funding.
The day will provide updates on key policies and practices; support leaders in identifying successful strategies, leading evidence based initiatives and demonstrating both immediate and long-term impact for children.

Benefits

• An understanding of evidence based strategies for effective use of the funding.
• Case study examples of how Pupil Premium funding has had measurable impact.
• Practical tools help evaluate current se of funding.

With the EYFS profile remaining in place this current academic year, it is essential that practitioners feel confident that the judgments they are making about children’s attainment against the ELG’s are secure. This half day workshop will explore the principles behind gathering a rich evidence set to inform these decisions. Drawing on practical examples of best practice, we will consider the different sources of evidence that can help teachers to confidently assess children’s levels of attainment and feel well prepared for sharing this information with others.

Benefits

• A clear understanding of how evidence supports with judgement attainment in the EYFS.
• Confidence to better share these outcomes.
• Practical ideas to support with evidence gathering.

With the continued expansion of funded two year olds provision, it is critical for early year’s practitioners to develop a deeper understanding of the unique needs of these young learners in order to ensure their provision and practice is of the highest quality. During this twilight we will explore what is special about being two. Time will be spent considering children’s development, how this relates to play, active learning and thinking – and we will look at examples of outstanding provision.

Benefits

• An introduction to two year olds development.
• Develop an understanding of how to plan for their needs across the whole learning environment.
• Inspiring examples of current practice.

With such a strong focus on the role of governors in successfully supporting school leaders; it is essential that they remain informed and up to date in order that they can carry out their role effectively. These workshop sessions have been specifically designed to support school governors with a responsibility for early years – exploring aspects of the statutory framework, best practice and key policy changes.

Benefits

• A clearer understanding of the EYFS statutory Framework.
• Updates on national policy.
• The opportunity to meet with colleagues in a similar role.

With much debate about what is effective practice in nursery provision and the complex relationship between the adult, child and environment – this inspiring twilight provides the ideal opportunity for leaders and practitioners to reflect upon their current provision, whilst hearing from those who have successfully transformed and enriched the learning experiences for all children.

Building on the findings of the Hundred Review of current Reception practice -this highly informative twilight is an opportunity for leaders and teachers to examine current practice within their school and consider the challenges facing this unique year group. There will be the opportunity to learn how schools have been successful in raising the quality of teaching and learning, through innovative and inspiring practice, resulting in sustained improvements in outcomes.

During this thought-provoking twilight, we will look at how schools have successfully embedded enquiry based learning and the sustained impact that has had on attainment across the curriculum. We will consider the importance and value of supporting independent learning in order to support children’s progress and reflect on a range of strategies that effectively support and guide children’s creative and critical thinking. A diverse range of inspiring case studies will be shared and you will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from schools that have successfully transformed KS1.

This twilight offers an introduction to understanding the critical role children’s well-being and involvement have as indicators of deep level learning and the long-term impact on outcomes from early years and through into primary. Ideal for schools who are considering looking more deeply into the Leuven scales – delegates will hear case studies of how the Leuven scales are used in a range of schools and have the opportunity to meet with schools who have embedded them as a whole school approach.