News item
Conference ‘Dare to be Excellent in Reception’
This conference, designed by Manor Primary School and Nursery Unit, offers the opportunity for Headteachers, reception class practitioners and early years leaders to explore the key features that underpin outstanding reception class practice.
The conference takes place on 24th April 2012 at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Wolverhampton.
About Manor Primary
A Wolverhampton primary school is using its teaching school status to address a real gap in the market for high quality professional development at the early years and foundation stage.
Manor Primary School in Wolverhampton is an outstanding school with an exceptional track record in collaborative working. Headteacher Anita Cliff and her close-knit team are dedicated to giving every child the best opportunities. This is reflected in the remarkable progress pupils make from below national average capabilities, to well above national average attainment by the time they leave the school.
“Working as a pilot teaching school quickly confirmed the benefits of giving staff opportunities to work in different settings with fellow professionals. We want to sustain our outstanding teaching and learning and keep up the levels of passion and excitement. Supporting others not only continually develops the individual and the school’s capacity but also makes a difference to more children’s lives.”
One key area where Anita believes Manor Primary’s status as a teaching school can have a real impact is in improving the quality of professional development at Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
“We know, from our own journey, that if you give young children the best possible start in reception it gives them a great platform to get to level 5 by KS2. If you don’t switch them on to learning and spark that inquisitiveness, enthusiasm and positivity by the time they move into KS1, it’s difficult to narrow the gap.”
Outstanding Practitioner Programme
The school is currently researching effective pedagogy at the EYFS stage to inform the development of an Outstanding Practitioner Programme, which will be:
- piloted with Wolverhampton schools
- rolled out across the region.
Developed in partnership with professionals and early years experts, the programme will blend face to face development with practice observation and expert input over several weeks to provide a rich, ‘living’ professional development opportunity. The intention is to adapt the model for other programmes focusing on new head teachers and middle leaders and – always with an eye on improving the quality of learning for children - use it to move forward in the school’s own setting.
HTI is supporting the launch of this new Outstanding Practitioner Programme through working with Manor Primary to stage the regional conference 'Dare to be Excellent in Reception' Conference.
Please click on the link below for further details about the conference
Related internet link:
Conference ‘Dare to be Excellent in Reception’
Last updated: 27th January 2012
