Chapter 3 - improving quality in early years including reception
Lincolnshire is committed to ensuring every child, regardless of background or need, can access high-quality early education—because research shows this helps children thrive in school and life.
Raising quality and supporting staff
Children learn best when they are cared for by skilled, confident professionals.
What are we doing?
- Supporting nurseries, childminders, and family hubs to keep improving quality.
- Preparing settings for the latest Ofsted standards.
- Training staff to understand what children need for school readiness, while offering free or low-cost courses to support early years professionals.
- Helping practitioners share home learning ideas with parents.
What this means:
- Children will be in a safe, high-quality setting.
- Staff will be well-trained and confident in supporting your child's learning.
Supporting children with additional needs
Every child deserves the right support early on.
What are we doing?
- Making sure children with SEND are identified early.
- Giving family hubs and childcare settings access to specialist advice and training.
- Improving systems so health professionals can quickly share concerns and support children with health needs to prevent missed learning.
What this means:
- If a child needs extra help, support will be available sooner.
- Parents will have clear information and guidance on what is available locally.
- More staff are trained to support and meet the needs of children with additional needs through high quality and early intervention.
Smoother transitions into school
Starting school is a big step for children and parents.
What are we doing?
- Giving families clear information about what "school readiness" means.
- Health Visitors having an increased focus on school readiness.
- Helping nurseries and schools work together so transitions are smooth.
- Making sure children with SEND have the same opportunities for a successful start.
- Increased focus on school readiness through Best Start Family Hub offer.
What this means:
- Parents will know what to expect and how to prepare your child for school.
- Children will feel more confident moving from nursery to Reception.
- Children will be supported, so transition becomes easier and successful.
Improving reception classes
Reception is the start of your child's school journey.
What are we doing?
- Training teachers and school leaders to deliver the best early years education.
- Providing programmes of support for new and existing Reception teaching staff.
- Helping schools assess children accurately and plan learning effectively.
What this means:
- Children will benefit from high-quality teaching in Reception.
- Teachers will be confident and well-prepared to support children's development.