Excellence in Reception Teaching is a professional development programme for experienced Reception teachers who want to strengthen their practice and make a sustained difference to children’s learning, development and transition into school.

Reception is a vital stage in a child’s education. It is where children build the foundations for communication and language, early literacy, early mathematics, self regulation, relationships and confidence as learners.

The programme is designed to support teachers with the practical realities of Reception teaching. It focuses on the small but important decisions teachers make every day, including how they plan learning, respond to children’s needs, create effective routines, support inclusion, work with families and help children move successfully into Year 1.

Excellence in Reception Teaching uses a familiar professional development model, with structured learning, practical classroom application, formative assessment and mentor feedback. There is no summative assessment. Instead, participants are supported to apply evidence informed practice, evaluate impact and plan how improvements can be sustained in their setting.