Leeds primary school chosen for lead role in national scheme to improve early years education

Whitkirk Primary School in Leeds has been chosen as one of just five schools across Yorkshire and the Humber to take part in the Department for Education’s (DfE) new Reception Network Programme.

The scheme, which includes just 45 schools across England, is aimed at improving children’s early development and giving them the best possible start to school.

Whitkirk stood out in a competitive process to become one of the region’s lead schools in the new national Reception Networks programme. This forms part of the Government’s ambition, set out in the recent Schools White Paper, to strengthen early years education and ensure more children begin school ready to thrive from day one.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Reception Lead School. It reflects the exceptional quality of our Early Years team and the hard work they put in every single day,” Headteacher Gemma Quarmby said.

“Our priority is making sure every child begins school feeling confident, curious and ready to learn. We’re excited to work with other schools and help strengthen early education for children across the region.”

The networks bring together primary schools with a strong record in Reception to share effective classroom practice and support improvements in early years provision across the region.

As part of the programme, Whitkirk will support schools across Leeds and Wakefield by sharing approaches that help build children’s language, independence and confidence. This will include hosting visits for teachers and school leaders, sharing resources, and opening up their Reception classrooms so others can see strong practice in action.

Whitkirk Primary School, one of 16 schools across North and West Yorkshire run by the Red Kite Learning Trust, will begin working with schools across Yorkshire in the summer term.

“The early years set the tone for a child’s entire school journey. Highquality Reception provision helps children build the confidence, language and spark that make them eager to learn,” Trust CEO Ian Tucker added. “We are delighted that Whitkirk’s expertise will now support schools across the region.”