National Professional Development

Excellence in Reception Teaching (EiRT)

Excellence in Reception Teaching is a specialist professional development programme for experienced Reception teachers and those moving into a Reception role. Developed to strengthen Early Years practice, the programme helps participants build their expertise in child development, teaching, and learning to support the best possible outcomes for young children.

Delivered in partnership with Best Practice Network (BPN), the programme combines flexible online learning with practical, evidence-informed approaches that can be applied directly in the classroom.

Programme Overview

• Funded and accredited by the Department for Education (DfE)
• Combines flexible online learning with facilitated support
• Delivered over 20 weeks across two terms
• Around 20 hours of evidence-informed professional development
• Develop the knowledge and skills to enhance Reception teaching and learning
• Benefit from mentor guidance, written feedback, and professional dialogue throughout the programme

What is Excellence in Reception Teaching?

Reception is a unique and important stage in a child’s educational journey, laying the foundations for future learning, confidence and wellbeing. Excellence in Reception Teaching, delivered in partnership with Best Practice Network (BPN), supports experienced Reception teachers to further develop their practice and make an even greater impact on children’s learning and development.

Through a blend of structured learning, practical classroom application and personalised mentor support, participants explore evidence-informed approaches that can be applied straight away. The programme focuses on strengthening high-quality Reception provision, supporting successful transitions, and helping every child get the very best start to school.

What Will You Learn?

The programme is structured across two terms, helping you build confidence, strengthen your expertise, and make a lasting difference to children’s learning and development.

Term 1: Enhancing Everyday Practice
Develop your understanding of child development, early literacy and mathematics, assessment, and effective teaching approaches. Explore practical strategies to strengthen learning, engagement and progress in your Reception classroom.

Term 2: Creating Lasting Impact
Focus on inclusion, transitions, and partnership working. Learn how to support every child to thrive, build strong relationships with families and professionals, and ensure successful transitions into Reception and Year 1.

Throughout the programme, you’ll reflect on your practice, apply new learning in your setting, and build approaches that have a lasting impact on children and their outcomes.

Who Should Apply?

This programme is ideal for experienced Reception teachers who want to build on their existing expertise and further enhance their impact in the classroom.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of child development, strengthen inclusive practice, refine curriculum and assessment approaches, or support smoother transitions into and beyond Reception, the programme provides practical, evidence-informed strategies to support your goals.

Excellence in Reception Teaching is particularly suited to:

• Experienced Reception teachers seeking to enhance their practice
• Teachers looking to strengthen children’s learning, development and school readiness
• Practitioners supporting diverse needs, including SEND and EAL
• Teachers wanting to develop more inclusive and adaptive approaches
• Those looking to strengthen partnerships with families and professionals
• Schools and trusts committed to delivering consistently high-quality Reception provision

Designed for a range of school contexts, the programme helps participants create positive, lasting outcomes for every child.

Excellence in Reception Teaching Framework

How Is the Programme Delivered?

Designed to fit around the demands of school life, Excellence in Reception Teaching combines flexible online learning with opportunities to collaborate, reflect and apply new approaches in practice.

Over 20 weeks, participants engage in a blend of:

• Live online sessions
• Structured self-directed learning
• Practical classroom application
• Mentor feedback and professional dialogue
• Reflective activities designed to strengthen and refine practice

This balanced approach enables teachers to translate learning into meaningful improvements for children, while being supported throughout their professional development journey.

Funding eligibility

Fully funded places are available for teachers working in most state-funded schools and academies in England.

Funding is not available for:

• Independent schools
• Schools outside England

For those not eligible for a funded place, self-funded places are available at £650 per participant. Please note that all participants, including those who are self-funded, must be registered through the Department for Education (DfE).