Reception Year Showcase events, Jan 2026 – March 2026

What is it?: a showcase is a guided observation of a reception year classroom with narration. It focusses on up to 3 topics, providing time to explain the pedagogy, see it in action, and reflect.

Numbers: 15-30 observers from other schools depending on the room size and facilities. Schools with 2 or 3 form entry can split observers across classrooms.

Timescale: DfE funding for this is only available until the end of March 2026 so all showcases must take place before the end of March.

Recommended schedule: can be adjusted depending on the topic/theme.

• 8:30 arrival for networking and coffee
• 8:45 Welcome, introductions and an overview of this RISE network and DfE goals
• 8:50 – explanation of what you are about to observe. Start with pedagogy on one aspect of good practice (e.g. Handwriting opportunities in the environment)
• 9:00 - 9:30 – observe, go and see it in practice
• 9:30 - 9:45 - reflect for own practice
• 9:45 - 10:45 - session 2 - repeat the above pattern (explanation, observe, reflect) with another aspect
• 11:00 - 12:00 - session 3 - repeat with another aspect

What the showcase could cover: Showcases should focus on 2 or 3 areas of practice that are positively contributing to strong attainment against the 12 Early Learning Goals particularly to support our disadvantaged pupils. 

Regional coverage: this is a regional network so our aim is to have at least one showcase in each LA area.

Template slide set: a standard template slide set will be created for showcase schools to adapt and use. This will include: overview of DfE priorities, overview of the RISE Reception Year network, timetable for the morning, further opportunities to be involved. The DfE slides will be sent to participants as pre reading to save time presenting them at the showcase.

Funding available: There is £1,000 available to each school that hosts a showcase. A further £500 is available to showcase schools if they undertake follow up 1-2-1 support with 1 or more schools after the showcase. A 1-page case study on the support will need to be completed to trigger the £500 payment. A template for this is available by emailing mlambell@meridiantrust.co.uk

Quality assurance:

Quality assurance will be provided in advance through trust/LA recommendation and Ofsted reports. Showcase leads will also visit each other’s showcase to provide a further level of QA.

Schedule of showcase events:

Can be found at the link below. Please note this will be updated as more showcases are scheduled.

RISE Showcase schedule.docx