Northern Lights’ leadership of early years education praised by government
The quality of leadership in early years education from Northern Lights Learning Trust has been recognised at government level.
Now, one of its Sunderland primary schools, Benedict Biscop CE Academy, has been appointed as a Reception Network Lead School by the Department for Education (DfE). Reception year is known to be a pivotal stage in children’s development, laying the foundations for learning, wellbeing and long-term success.
“I am incredibly proud to work with the early years sector across the North East – including childminders, private, voluntary and independent nurseries, maintained nurseries and schools – supporting children from birth to five and uniting our workforce to improve outcomes for the children we serve,” said Emma Whelam-Tate, Director of the Northern Lights Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, and Strategic Lead for the Reception Network programme.
“The Reception Networks programme will build upon this strong and passionate workforce, enabling us to share expertise, strengthen practice and ensure that every child truly has the best start in life.”
Northern Lights Learning Trust has 12 schools in Sunderland, Hartlepool, Stockton and Darlington, plus its own Teaching School Hub. The Northern Lights Early Years Stronger Practice Hub for the region covers North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland.
Benedict Biscop CE Academy is one of five lead settings in the region working collaboratively to support Reception provision. Lead schools were selected following a rigorous and competitive national assessment process, with the DfE recognising the school’s strong and sustained Reception outcomes, high-quality practice and commitment to supporting other schools.
Sarah Armstrong, Headteacher at Benedict Biscop, said: “We are pleased to have been selected as Lead School and hope our work will help other schools. At the end of the day it’s all about collaboration and learning from each other – collectively we can make a huge difference to the lives of children in the North East.”
