North Yorkshire set to lead the way for early years education
AN INNOVATIVE partnership aimed at boosting the standards of early years teaching across North Yorkshire is being set up at a primary school.
The initiative is being led by York-based schools chain Ebor Academy Trust, which oversees 10 schools across the region.
It will see a hub created at Osbaldwick Primary School that will become a regional centre of excellence for early years, joining others in London and Huddersfield. The scheme is the result of a partnership with Early Excellence, an established national leader specialising in developing young children’s education.
Richard Ludlow, chief executive of Ebor Academy Trust, said: “This is a collaboration which will provide benefits to all concerned and especially young children in York and North Yorkshire.
“There is capacity at Osbaldwick’s site and this will be a twoyear phased project which will include improvements to teaching spaces, reconfiguring the entrance to accommodate training facilities and adding a car park for participants in Early Excellence’s training courses. We share Early Excellence’s vision for high quality training and support for school improvement.”
The partnership will be formally launched at a national event for early years teachers and headteachers in York later this month.
Lesley Barringer, headteacher at Osbaldwick, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the space to be able to host such a prestigious partnership. Our own first class staff are on hand to continue to learn from some of the innovative and best practice being demonstrated. Our children will consequently benefit from excellent provision and the arrangement will bring welcome extra funding for our school.”
Liz Marsden, Early Excellence founder and director, added: “Every day we champion the development of inspirational learning and teaching, offering expert advice, support and training.
“We too are excited at the prospect of developing an early years centre of excellence in York.”