RISE Reception Network Lead School
Welcome to the Greenside Primary School RISE Reception Network
Greenside Primary School is proud to have been designated by the Department for Education (DfE) as a RISE Reception Network Lead School for the North East.
Reception Networks form part of the government's Best Start in Life Strategy and the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme. They are designed to strengthen Reception provision through school-led collaboration, professional learning and the sharing of evidence-informed practice.
As a Lead School, Greenside Primary School will work alongside Reception teachers, EYFS leaders, headteachers and trusts to support high-quality teaching, learning and leadership in Reception classes across the region.
Our Aim
The RISE Reception Network aims to:
- Strengthen the quality of Reception provision across schools.
- Improve outcomes for children at this crucial stage of their education.
- Promote evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning.
- Support professional collaboration between schools.
- Develop leadership expertise in Reception and Early Years.
- Contribute towards the national ambition for more children to achieve a Good Level of Development by the end of Reception.
What Schools Can Expect
Schools participating in the network will have access to:
Half-Termly Virtual Network Meetings
Opportunities to:
- Discuss current Reception priorities.
- Share effective practice.
- Explore evidence-informed approaches.
- Reflect on common challenges and solutions.
- Learn from experienced practitioners and leaders.
Termly School Visits and Open Classrooms
Schools will be invited to visit Greenside Primary School to:
- Observe high-quality Reception provision in practice.
- Explore effective learning environments.
- See curriculum implementation and daily routines.
- Engage in professional dialogue with staff.
- Consider how successful approaches can be adapted within their own context.
Resources and Practical Support
Network members will have access to:
- Examples of effective practice.
- Curriculum and provision guidance.
- Transition resources.
- Assessment approaches.
- Professional development materials.
- Links to wider DfE Reception improvement resources.
Who is the Network For?
The network is open to all schools and is particularly relevant for:
- Reception teachers
- Early Years Foundation Stage leaders
- Assistant and Deputy Headteachers
- Headteachers
- Trust leaders with responsibility for Early Years
- School improvement colleagues supporting Reception provision.
Schools can engage at any stage of their development journey and are encouraged to work collaboratively with colleagues across the region.
Working Together Across the North East
The Reception Network complements existing support available through:
- Stronger Practice Hubs
- Best Start Family Hubs
- English Hubs
- Maths Hubs
- Local Authorities
- Other DfE Reception Improvement programmes.
By connecting schools with these wider improvement opportunities, we aim to create a joined-up approach to supporting children and families.
About Greenside Primary School
Greenside Primary School was selected through a national assessment process recognising:
- Strong Reception provision.
- Effective Early Years leadership.
- A commitment to evidence-informed practice.
- Positive outcomes for children.
- Capacity to support improvement beyond our own school community.
We are delighted to play a leading role in strengthening Reception education across the North East, with a targeted focus on Gateshead and Newcastle, and look forward to working with colleagues to ensure every child receives the best possible start to their school journey.
Join Our Network
Schools wishing to receive updates, event information and network resources can register via our Expression of Interest form:
All registered schools will receive information about:
- Upcoming network meetings
- School visits
- Professional learning opportunities
- Shared resources
- Regional and national Reception improvement updates
We look forward to welcoming you to the Greenside RISE Reception Network.
Network Dates for 2026-27
