Background:
The Department for Education Reception Year support offer focuses on language and literacy. The programme provides both intensive and medium-level support to strengthen, early language, the implementation of NELI interventions, emergent writing, oral language and classroom talk in Reception.
The programme supports the Government’s Plan for Change ambition for 75% of five-year-olds to achieve a Good Level of Development by 2028 and prioritises schools with the greatest language and literacy needs.
Delivery includes specialist Reception audits, school-level modelling and coaching, and a nationally designed Medium Level Support (MLS) CPD programme for Reception teachers and leaders.
Aims:
- Improve early language and literacy in Reception
Support schools to strengthen early language, emergent writing and
rich talk, ensuring practice aligns with evidence based early years
pedagogy.
- Promote & implement evidence-based practice
Model and coach approaches grounded in high-quality research across
early language and early writing.
- Provide school level support
Deliver specialist Reception audits in eligible schools, providing modelling, coaching and mentoring to Reception teachers and leaders.
Offer targeted follow-up support reflecting audit findings.
- Deliver high-quality CPD
- Champion best practice and research literacy
Who can access this support:
For the academic year of 2026 / 20207, schools are identified from a DfE-generated list of priority schools issued to each English Hub. These schools have been identified as those who would particularly benefit from receiving targeted early language and literacy support.
Purpose of Audit:
The aim of the audit is to support schools to understand their strengths and the next steps that will have the greatest impact on progress in Early Language and Literacy.
Post audit, the English Hub will release funding and/or Literacy Specialist support, or signpost to one of our CPD Programmes, to support the school in achieving the actions identified.
Funding:
Schools can access funding for; diagnostic assessments for handwriting, handwriting training and NELI.
Literacy Specialist Support:
In Reception, intensive support is informed by audit findings and may include reading, language or handwriting support, or a combination of these. Language and handwriting support is delivered by language and literacy specialists, focusing on the effective implementation of language interventions and handwriting practice.
Schools can access 3-6 days over 2 years
Intensive support is delivered through Literacy Specialist (LS) days, providing bespoke school-to-school support. LS support may include, but is not limited to:
- Coaching and mentoring Early Years Leads
- Modelling and coaching practice
- Providing CPD on evidence informed teaching strategies
- Supporting data analysis and use of assessment
- Identifying, tracking, and supporting pupils most in need of intervention
Linked CPD programme:
Nurturing language and literacy in the Reception Year
Aims:
- Develop expertise and knowledge in early language and literacy development with a particular focus on the foundations of writing and the role of spoken language.
- Strengthen the teaching of writing in Reception through evidence-informed approaches to language, phonics, transcription and oral composition.
- Build confidence in leading and improving practice by using assessment, monitoring and practical strategies to support all children to succeed in literacy.
Please see our Events page to find out more
