EYFS Showcase School
Northleaze CofE Primary School Named as an English Hub Showcase School for Early Years
Celebrating Excellence in Early Reading, Language and Literacy
We are delighted to share that Northleaze CofE Primary School has been selected as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Showcase School for the Unlocking Excellence English Hub.
This prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional work taking place in our Early Years provision to develop children's language, communication, early reading and love of books. It also reflects the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our children and the strong support of our families.
The Unlocking Excellence English Hub, based at St Peter's CofE Primary School and led by the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, is one of just 34 English Hubs across England. Since 2018, it has supported more than 500 schools across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset, helping thousands of children develop strong literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.
As part of the next phase of the Department for Education's English Hubs Programme, Northleaze has been designated as the regional Showcase School for EYFS. Alongside St Peter's CofE Primary School, which will showcase Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 practice, and St Katherine's School, which has been recognised for secondary education, we will play an important role in sharing effective literacy practice with schools across the South West.
What Does This Mean?
As a Showcase School, we will welcome teachers and school leaders to see outstanding Early Years practice in action through:
- School visits
- Professional dialogue and collaboration
- Case studies of effective practice
- Opportunities to observe high-quality language and literacy provision
Visitors will learn about approaches that support:
- Early language development
- Phonics teaching
- Reading attainment
- Reading for pleasure
- Creating a culture where every child can flourish as a reader
Developing a Love of Reading from the Start
At Northleaze, we believe that reading opens doors to learning, imagination and opportunity. From the moment children join our school, we work to nurture curious, confident and enthusiastic readers through rich language experiences, carefully chosen books and a love of storytelling.
This recognition acknowledges the impact of our approach and the incredible commitment of our staff team in ensuring that every child receives the very best start to their reading journey.
Working Together to Improve Literacy
Janine Ashman, Director of Professional Development at the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, said:
"The expansion of the English Hubs Programme into Key Stage 2 and secondary education is an exciting next step, and we are delighted that Northleaze CofE Primary School and St Katherine's School will join St Peter's CofE Primary School as Showcase Schools. All three schools demonstrate exceptional practice in reading and will be invaluable in sharing their expertise with other schools and trusts across the South West."
Gary Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, added:
"The selection of Northleaze CofE Primary School and St Katherine's School as Showcase Schools reflects the excellent work taking place within our schools and through our flourishing partnerships with other trusts."
Proud to Let Our Light Shine
We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for the support of the Unlocking Excellence English Hub and the Lighthouse Schools Partnership.
As a school whose vision is to "Let Your Light Shine", we look forward to sharing our practice with colleagues from across the region and continuing to learn from others as we work together to improve outcomes for all children.
Find out more
Schools interested in visiting Northleaze as part of the English Hub Showcase School programme can learn more through the Unlocking Excellence English Hub events, which begin this autumn and provide opportunities to observe effective reading provision, hear from literacy experts and explore evidence-based approaches to improving reading outcomes.
