Watergrove Trust, comprising seven schools in Rochdale, has seen remarkable strides in Communication, Language, and Literacy outcomes for its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) students, thanks to dedicated EYFS Training & Support initiatives. Addressing the challenges posed by high numbers of students with additional learning needs and starting skills below the expected level, the Trust partnered with Early Excellence to create a tailored development project. Through expert-led workshops, one-on-one consultancy visits, and focused Twilight Training sessions, the initiative equipped EYFS staff with enhanced skills for impactful interactions, planning for progression, and effective use of outdoor learning. These strategic improvements have empowered teachers and significantly enriched the learning environment, fostering stronger communication skills and social engagement among the children.
Contextual Information
Watergrove Trust is in Rochdale in the North-West of England. The Trust is made up of 7 schools, 5 of which are primary schools. Most of the schools have both Nursery and Reception classes.
In the majority of the schools, the percentage of children with Pupil Premium, EAL and SEN are higher than the national average. Across the Trust, children typically enter school with skills and knowledge that are below the expected level for their age.
As part of the project, EYFS staff identified Communication and Language and PSED as particular areas for concern on entry.
The Bespoke EYFS Improvement Consultancy Plan:
- 3 bespoke workshops at the Trust Conference:
- EYFS Quality Interactions to Improve Language
- EYFS Planning for Progression
- EYFS The Power of Outdoor Learning
- 5 consultancy visits, 1 in each school – working alongside each individual EYFS Leader
- 5 Twilight Training sessions for the Trust EYFS Teams to consider:
- Effective Practice in the EYFS
- Supporting Communication and Language in the EYFS
- Developing Early Literacy in the EYFS
- Trust Strands for Development
- Impact Review and Forward Planning
Project Intent & Implementation
“When Headteacher, Nicola Howard from Kentmere Academy, initially contacted me to commission an EYFS Strategic Review for her school, we arranged for Sarah Carey, one of our School Improvement Leads, to support her.”
“Nicola was so impressed with the time she spent with Sarah, that when she took on her new role as Director of Primary across the Trust, she introduced Early Excellence to the wider Trust, and work began to support all schools.”
“We discussed a number of key priorities – Communication & Language, Writing, Progression and Outdoor Learning Environments, and agreed for Early Excellence to take part in the Trust’s Annual Conference. To build momentum, this was followed by a series of Trust wide training sessions focused on early literacy led by Andy Burt, one of our Curriculum Consultants, and individual consultancy visits to support each of the EYFS Teams with their priorities.”
“Feedback from the Trust schools has been overwhelming positive, with some amazing comments from both Nicola and other senior leaders about the impact on standards across the Trust schools.”
Nikki Walters, Head of School Services, Early Excellence
“We are thrilled to hear such glowing feedback from the Leaders across the Trust about the significant impact of the project for all the schools!”
Evaluating the Impact
How effective was the Training & Support across the Watergrove Trust Primaries?
“Working with Early Excellence has been absolutely fantastic, with a major impact on all settings! Teaching and Learning across the Trust has been strengthened and each individual school has made rapid improvement.
The project has really supported the Trust’s priority to develop Communication, Language and Literacy. Andy’s advice has made a real difference and his training was of a really high quality.
We’re delighted in the engagement of all the EYFS Teams, they gained deeper understandings and have been truly inspired!”
What was the impact on Teaching & Learning at St James’ CofE Primary?
“It’s been amazing to work with Andy! He has supported us with so much – curriculum, progression, planning, resourcing, learning environment development and much more!
The team have developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the curriculum being delivered within provision.
The improvements we’ve made have really impacted on the children’s communication skills as well as their ability to problem solve and work collaboratively.”
What was the impact on Teaching & Learning at St Andrew’s CofE Primary?
“The support to improve our indoor and outdoor environments has been transformational –
with so many benefits for the children’s learning and engagement.
Staff have greater clarity on using Continuous Provision to enable mastery and of effective enhancements based on the children’s needs and interests.
Following guidance from Andy, adults have gained time to be in the provision, engaging in quality interactions and developing the children’s speech and language.”
What was the impact on Teaching & Learning at Sandbrook Primary?
“There has been such a positive impact on Teaching & Learning! Progression through Nursery and Reception is much stronger.
Andy worked closely with us and helped us to secure impactful adjustments to the environment, routines, day to day running of the classes and our planning – all of which impacted positively on outcomes and behaviour.
Our children talk so much more! They’re using richer vocabulary, developing their social skills and can talk about what they know.”
What was the impact on Teaching & Learning at Moorhouse Academy?
“The training and support have had a swift and positive impact on the learning, progress and wellbeing of our children. They are much more engaged and are having their needs met more fully.
Developments in our learning environments have enabled the children to learn more effectively and work collaboratively – both in the indoors and outdoors.
Staff have developed practice and gained much confidence in the pedagogical approach.”
What was the impact on Teaching & Learning at Kentmere Academy?
“Speech and language has significantly improved. There’s more purposeful talk in provision areas and the new approach to snack time has made a real difference too!
There’s been huge impact on the children’s engagement and CofEL. They become immersed in their own projects and return to these explorations over time.
The impact on staff has been amazing! They feel confident and empowered to adjust practice, particularly for the outdoor area, where previously they were unsure.”
Is strengthening EYFS or KS1 pedagogy your current priority?
Engage with expert EYFS improvement consultancy and explore bespoke support today.
To find out how Early Excellence can support your school development priorities in EYFS and KS1 or develop a bespoke package, look at our school improvement services or get in touch with a member of our Senior Team today on seniorteam@earlyexcellence.com