The Kemnal Academies Trust is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South and South East of England. There are a total of 45 academies, of which 29 are primary schools, 15 are secondary schools and 1 is a special school. Several of the primary schools include nursery provision.

In many Kemnal Academy Trust schools, the proportion of pupils eligible for the Pupil Premium, those with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is above the national average. Children often begin their EYFS journey with skills and knowledge that are below age-related expectations.

Why Early Excellence? 

Our Working with Early Excellence has been amazing – a true partnership! There has been strong professional dialogue throughout the work, reviewing outcomes together and adjusting CPD to target the right areas. Anna is highly experienced, professional, flexible and responsive. Both she and Phil are true experts, offering clear principled messages and bespoke advice pertinent to each individual school context. The work was carefully structured, planned and well-paced – it has made a real difference.

How Effective was the Training & Consultancy?

The support was very effective – there has been a rise in expectations in all of our schools! The combination of training for staff in a range of roles from practitioners to school leaders was
invaluable. We now have an agreed understanding of what a good EYFS looks like. Placing the training spotlight on the Continuous Provision across the Trust has bought consistency, while the individual bespoke school action plans ensured focus and clarity to secure developments.

What has been the impact?

The CPD, review and support was such high quality – we were able to act on the advice and training immediately! Anna offered very practical guidance, so changes to the setting could be put in place rapidly. Early Excellence were on hand throughout our journey, from helpful discussions, suggestions and even helping with the ordering resources process! Our Trust Lead and Anna worked together with us seamlessly – we have been supported constantly throughout and are delighted with the results.

What has been the impact on your Children?

The children’s independence, confidence and communication skills were key concerns ahead of the project, but these have improved vastly! We’re very proud that our GLD was 80% and the knowledge and skills were securely embedded. The children joined Year 1 ready and able to learn, they cope with change, are happy and engaged. This would not have been the case without the improvements made due to working with Early Excellence.

What has been the impact on your Environment?

The redesign of the classrooms and all areas of provision meant that every single child made progress!
It’s been a joy to see the level of independence in our children. They engage positively with their peers and the adults. Everything has a place and purpose, so their learning is more meaningful. The classrooms are now calm, fun, stimulating and engaging. It even feels like we have more space!

What has been the impact on your Adults?

Working with Early Excellence has utterly transformed our EYFS Team! They are empowered, have confidence and know their stuff! Now, they make well timed decisions and interactions for and with the children to effectively move learning on. Drawing on the CPD, their engagements with families have been strengthened. They can explain how parents can support at home, and the response to this has been positive.”

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