Hollybush Primary School in Leeds partnered with our KS1 specialists to embed a high-quality Continuous Provision approach across Year 1, building on the success of an earlier EYFS project. Through a bespoke programme of review, consultancy and classroom environment development, the school worked collaboratively to create inclusive, engaging learning spaces and a sustainable pedagogical model that meets the needs of all learners. Over 12 months, the project delivered significant improvements in teaching practice, child engagement, behaviour and learning outcomes, with staff embracing a transformed approach to Year 1 provision.
Contextual Information
Hollybush Primary School is a two-form entry, Local Authority school in Leeds, in an area of high deprivation. Pupils are primarily White-British although there are a growing number of families from Europe and African countries joining the school community. The percentage of children with EAL is 11%, 35% of the children are eligible for Pupil Premium, and 25% are identified as SEND.
Emma Haddon is the Deputy Head (previously Acting Headteacher) and Danielle Prince is the KS1 Leader and Y2 class teacher (and an experienced EYFS teacher). The current Y1 Team is made up of two class teachers and two teaching assistants in two classrooms.
The Bespoke Consultancy Plan
An outline of the project actions:
- An initial full day review of Y1 with strategic next steps planning
- Tailored consultancy for the KS1 Lead and Y1 team
- Room planning reviews for both Y1 classrooms
- Audit of resources and organisation
- Note of Visit reports
- Follow up calls to support resourcing
- Follow up support for planning for developing Continuous Provision in Y2
Project Intent & Implementation
Following a successful EYFS project, I was delighted to hear that Hollybush Primary School planned to extend Continuous Provision into KS1. Deputy Headteacher, Emma Haddon was keen to ensure that the pedagogy would meet the needs of the children and become a sustained, embedded approach for the duration of Year 1.
In discussion together, Emma and I agreed that an initial review of Year 1 practice would be the right start point, with onward support focused on the classroom environments, bespoke consultancy to respond to the evolving needs of the Year 1 teaching team, practical guidance for approaching direct teaching and strategies to manage timetables and provision.
One of our KS1 specialists, Nova Robinson, led the project. She worked closely with Emma, Danielle Prince (KS1 Leader) and the Year 1 team, offering responsive support and practical advice to secure effective Continuous Provision across Year 1.
Working closely with the Hollybush team for over 12 months had a real impact on the children and staff. Take a look at the feedback from Emma, Danielle and the Year 1 teachers about the success of this collaborative project!
Sarah Carey, School Improvement Lead, Early Excellence
Evaluating the Impact
How useful was the Initial Review of Year 1?
“The review day clearly set the scene for our Year 1 improvement project – it was invaluable and provided much clarity!
There was lots of opportunity for two-way, professional conversations between Nova and the Phase Leader, it helped to crystalise our vision and shaped a shared understanding of the journey we would take.
Nova’s discussions with the class teachers celebrated where they were in developing their practice and focused on what they needed to do to develop next and why.”
What was the Impact on Teaching and Learning?
“The impact on learning has been massive – outcomes have improved on previous years and our Phonics results were much better than we expected too!
The new approach to teaching children in groups has been a real success. They all receive quality, focused time with an adult. They get instant feedback and can respond to next steps. Learning can be supported and stretched right there and then. The provision reinforces recent teaching and allows the children to revisit and embed new learning. The Continuous Provision is so powerful!”
Our Children
“The provision has allowed them the opportunity to explore and be children. Behaviour has been transformed, and they want to learn!
The children have strengthened key learning behaviours – resilience and independence. They love to showcase what they know and they can do this in lots of different ways!
Our children are happy, they smile, they are enthusiastic, and they love to talk about their learning. They are much more articulate now!”
“Every Child has blossomed! The pedagogical approach works for all our children; no-one has been left behind.”
“Every child has made really good progress from their starting points! Now they are active, involved learners negotiating and collaborating together – it’s such a pleasure to see!”
Our Environment
“Getting the whole classroom environment from EEx – the shelves, storage and resources made all the difference! We just unpacked and placed it, confident that every resource would connect to learning, development and the curriculum.
We use the classrooms in a much better way. They are inclusive spaces and all of the children access it effectively throughout the day.
Our children are no longer passive learners – sitting at tables, they are active learners in an environment that is right for them.”
Our Adults
“The Year 1 team are thriving with the new pedagogical approach! They are energised and demonstrate great skill and reflection.
They know their children in far more depth and they are better placed to tailor and adjust their teaching to meet each child’s next steps in learning.
Teaching the full curriculum feels much more manageable and meaningful. Teachers have been better enabled to meet each child’s needs.
We are truly delighted with the impact of the development project!”
Is Strengthening EYFS or KS1 Pedagogy your Current Priority?
Engage with expert 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