Holy Trinity School has been designated as one of just five schools across the Southeast to serve as a Reception Network Lead School.  In this role, Holy Trinity will lead and support schools across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. 

Purpose of the RISE Reception Networks Programme

The RISE Reception Networks initiative has been established to improve early years practice nationally and contribute to the government’s aim that 75% of children achieve a Good Level of Development by 2028. Lead Schools within the programme support other settings by sharing effective practice, building professional networks and contributing to national early years development work.

 

Role of Holy Trinity School as a Lead School

As a designated Lead School, Holy Trinity School functions as a regional point of expertise for Reception provision. Its responsibilities include:

• Developing and sharing high‑quality resources for Reception practitioners
• Hosting half‑termly virtual network meetings to facilitate professional collaboration
• Organising termly in‑person visits and open days that allow schools to observe Reception practice and engage in professional discussion

The school also works with national hubs to promote consistency and quality across early years services.

 

 Contribution to System Leadership

In addition to supporting local schools, Holy Trinity School participates in termly national meetings with the DfE. These meetings help shape the ongoing direction of the RISE Reception Networks programme and ensure that insights from the region contribute to national decision‑making.

The school monitors engagement within its network and collaborates with early years partners to support strong practice across the wider system.

 

Why this matters?

The Reception year lays the foundation for children’s future success in school and beyond. Strong early years practice helps children develop the confidence, language, independence and learning behaviours they need to thrive.

At Holy Trinity, we believe that sharing effective practice across schools strengthens outcomes for all children. We’re proud to lead this work across our network and to contribute to raising the quality of Reception provision more widely across the Southeast.

 

Join our reception network  

To access our events, please contact Lorna Buchanan at office.3420@holy-trinity.oxon.sch.uk