The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South and South East of England, has achieved significant improvements in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) practice and outcomes through a comprehensive trust-wide development programme with Early Excellence. Supporting schools with high proportions of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), and children with SEND, the initiative focused on strengthening leadership understanding, enhancing classroom practice, and improving continuous provision environments. Through strategic reviews, bespoke consultancy, trust-wide conferences, leadership training, twilight sessions, and tailored school support, EYFS teams were empowered to raise expectations, improve quality assurance, and create more engaging learning environments. As a result, schools reported stronger adult interactions, greater consistency across settings, increased pupil independence, confidence and communication skills, and improved readiness for Year 1, delivering lasting impact for children, staff and school communities.
Contextual Information
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.
The Bespoke EYFS Improvement Consultancy Plan:
- Trust Conference – focused on National Updates and Maths
- Strategic Review of each school’s EYFS with written report
- 2 training sessions for Senior Leaders reflecting on:
- Early Child Development
- Understanding the EYFS
- Key Principles of Effective Assessment in the EYFS
- Accurate Quality Assurance in the EYFS
- Effective Transition and the Power of Parent Partnership
- 3 twilight training sessions for the EYFS teams to consider:
- Effective Practice in the EYFS
- The EYFS ‘Shop Window’
- Supporting Transitions
- Trust wide access to ‘Step-by-Step’ Training videos and resources
- Online recorded training: ‘Let’s Explore Effective Teaching in the EYFS’
- Bespoke support for individual schools
Project Intent & Implementation
“I was delighted when Trust Primary Director, Sue Brown, from The Kemnal Academies Trust, initially reached out to explore how Early Excellence could offer support across the whole Trust for their EYFS improvement plans.
During our initial discussion, there were a number of key priorities identified including strategic support for senior leaders to effectively understand, support and accurately quality assure their EYFS, training to upskill the EYFS teams to transform practice and provision, strengthening mathematics in the EYFS and the development of planning for an effective Continuous Provision environment.
Guided by the context and aims of the Trust, Phil Armstrong, Senior Education Lead at Early Excellence, launched the partnership project, leading the annual EYFS Trust Conference. Curriculum Consultant Anna Caulfield then undertook a series of strategic reviews across all of the schools, before implementing the onward programme of support through bespoke consultancy and tailored training, to compliment the work of the Trust EYFS Leads.
Feedback from the Trust has been overwhelmingly positive, with some amazing comments from Sue, the Trust EYFS Leads and other Senior Leaders about the impact on standards. We are very much looking forward to continuing our partnership with The Kemnal Academy Trust this coming year.”
Nikki Walters, Head of School Services, Early Excellence
“We are thrilled to hear such positive feedback from Sue, and Headteacher Sophie Gosden about the success and impact of this partnership!”
Evaluating the Impact
What was it like to work with Early Excellence?
“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 was the impact at The Kemnal Academy Trust?
“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 was 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 was 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 was 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.”
Looking for a Bespoke Project for your Trust Priorities?
If developing pedagogy in EYFS or KS1 is a current priority in your Trust, look at our School Improvement Services or get in touch with a member of our Senior Team today who can support you with tailored solutions to meet your needs and interests.
Developing School Based Nurseries in your Trust?
If you’re expanding your early years provision or opening a new room, our team are here to help with Strategic Support, Training or Complete Nursery Classrooms, which provide everything you need to design a high-quality, fully equipped learning environment.
Transforming EYFS & KS1 Classrooms in your Trust?
If you’re looking to strengthen your EYFS or KS1 provision, our Complete Classroom Solutions are designed to help you create inspirational, fully equipped environments with ease. Get in Touch to explore a rolling programme of classroom development across your Trust.