Barons Court Primary School and Nursery is proud to serve as a Lead School within the East of England for the RISE Reception Network, contributing to the development of high-quality early years education. This role reflects our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

The RISE Reception Networks Programme

The RISE Reception Network, led by the Department for Education, brings together schools to strengthen practice within Reception provision. The programme is centred on improving outcomes for all children through effective pedagogy, well-designed learning environments, and purposeful professional collaboration.

It forms part of a wider national ambition to increase the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development by the end of their Reception year, with a government target of 75% by 2028.

About Barons Court

Barons Court Primary School is a one-form entry primary school and nursery in Southend-on-Sea, serving 303 children aged 3–11 years old. Our work is driven by a clear moral purpose: ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and inspired by Hygge principles, we create nurturing environments where children develop belonging, independence and curiosity.

Our Reception practice is recognised for its evidence-informed approach to early language, physical development, play-based learning and inclusive pedagogy. Through high-quality adult-child interactions, carefully designed learning environments and rich experiences rooted in nature, creativity and exploration, we build the foundations for lifelong learning. Our open-plan Foundation Phase, bespoke outdoor learning curriculum and strong family partnerships provide valuable opportunities for schools to observe practice in action.

As a RISE Reception Hub Lead School, we welcome practitioners to see high-quality interactions, purposeful continuous provision, effective SEND practice and family engagement strategies. We believe sustainable improvement happens through collaboration, reflection and shared expertise, and are committed to supporting schools through practical, evidence-informed professional learning, peer networks and opportunities to see effective practice in action.

Meet Our Team

Across the network there will be opportunities to work with a variety of colleagues within our school. The network is led and overseen by an experienced and well-established leadership team with strong expertise in early years, curriculum development and system leadership.

At Barons Court, our early years team includes highly experienced EYFS teachers who lead day-to-day practice and innovation within the provision. Practitioners are currently engaging in the NPQEYL through the Ambition Institute, strengthening their leadership capability, pedagogical knowledge and impact on outcomes for children. In addition, our Nursery Nurse has extensive experience in nursery leadership, providing vital expertise in early childhood development, care and inclusive practice.

Together, the skilled and complementary leadership team along with all staff at our school are committed to enhancing, sustaining and evaluating high-quality early years practice and welcome working in collaboration with the partnership network.

Our Role and Contribution

As a Lead School, Barons Court Primary School and Nursery supports colleagues across the network by sharing practical, evidence-informed approaches to early years education. Our work is underpinned by our school ethos — placing high value on inclusive practice, high expectations, and ensuring every child achieves their full potential.

Our contribution includes:

• Developing and sharing high-quality resources to support effective Reception practice
• Facilitating regular professional network meetings to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange
• Hosting visits and open sessions to enable practitioners to observe practice in action
• Supporting professional dialogue around curriculum design, assessment, and provision

Partnership and Professional Collaboration

Collaboration is central to the success of the RISE Reception Network. Barons Court Primary School works in partnership with local schools, early years settings, and fellow Lead Schools to foster a strong and supportive professional community.

Through this collaborative approach, we contribute to wider national discussions, ensuring that the experiences and insights of practitioners help to inform developments across the early years sector.

Links to DfE Guidance and Resources

The Department for Education (DfE) has a wealth of resources which support schools in accessing national support and evidence-informed guidance with regards to Early Years practice. Including:

• ›The DfE Reception Improvement Offer, which provides information on support, webinars and guidance for reception provision: Reception improvement offer — GOV.UK
• ›The Reception Networks GOV.UK page: Reception networks — GOV.UK
• ›The View Your Education Data (VYED) platform, which provides access to the Compare Your Good Level of Development report and other data tools.
• ›The Compare Your GLD Data guidance, which explains how schools can access and use their Good Level of Development (GLD) report to inform improvement planning.

Get in touch

Email us at info@baronscourt.lihtrust.uk — we look forward to hearing from you and working in partnership!

Local Lead Schools

RISE Reception Networks