Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands Appointed as Lead School for National Programme
Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands has been officially named as a Lead School for the Department for Education’s (DfE) new Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) Reception Networks programme.
The initiative is a key pillar of the government’s landmark schools white paper, 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving', which aims for 75% of children to reach a "Good Level of Development" (GLD) by 2028. Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands was appointed based on its history of strong and sustained reception outcomes.
As one of only five lead schools in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, the academy will spearhead a local network designed to drive excellence in early years education. The programme focuses on ensuring children transition into Key Stage 1 with the solid foundations necessary for long-term academic and personal success.
In its new role, the school will support schools across the region by:
Leading discussions on high-impact teaching, learning, and leadership specifically for the Reception year.
Opening its doors to allow peers to observe evidence-informed, high-quality practice in action.
Providing access to proven resources, tools, and pedagogical approaches to strengthen early years provision.
Holding regular online meetings to ensure collaboration remains flexible and accessible to all local educators.
The Reception Networks programme is designed to complement existing support structures, such as English and Maths hubs and local authority "Best Start in Life" strategies. It serves as a dedicated resource for schools to access reception-specific expertise.
Donna Burnett, Principal and Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands, said:
“Reception is a critical milestone in development. This collaborative approach guarantees that all children benefit from expert early years support, driving the national ambition for every student to enter the classroom ready to succeed.”
Every primary school in the region is invited to engage with the network, whether to strengthen existing practice, build leadership confidence, or connect with colleagues facing similar challenges.
Schools interested in collaborating with Outwood Primary Academy Woodlands can find more information using the button below or contact the programme directly at reception.beststartinlife@education.gov.uk.
