A new initiative aiming to strengthen support for young children and those who care for them has been unveiled, with educators promising long-term benefits for families and professionals alike.
Castle Primary School has announced the launch of a free early years network, inviting nursery and early years settings across Tiverton and the surrounding area to join.
The initiative, led by the school’s early years team, is designed to improve partnership working across the local sector and help ensure children begin school with strong foundations for learning, development and wellbeing.
Membership will be free and will include access to professional development, shared enrichment opportunities for children and structured collaboration between early years professionals. Plans for the 2026–2027 academic year include inset training, specialist workshops and opportunities to access professional advice on special educational needs and early intervention.
The launch reflects a wider national focus from the Department for Education on schools working collaboratively with local partners to improve outcomes in their communities, particularly in early years provision.
Headteacher Tom Paddon said the network is rooted in a shared responsibility across the local early years community.
“We know that the quality of children’s early years provision has a lifelong impact,” Mr Paddon said. “Schools cannot work in isolation if we are serious about improving outcomes. This network is about strong collaboration and shared expertise so that, together, we give every child in Tiverton the very best start.”
He added: “By opening this network to all local nursery settings at no cost, we want to ensure that professional learning, shared practice and support are accessible and focused on what makes the biggest difference for children.”
The network will provide opportunities for practitioners to attend high-quality continuing professional development, take part in professional discussions and access support from the school’s experienced team. This includes advice on special educational needs, transition support and a shared understanding of school readiness.
Rebekka Thorne, early years lead at Castle Primary School, said the initiative recognises the important role of nursery settings in children’s development.
“This network creates dedicated time and space for professionals to learn together, value the diversity of local settings, share effective practice and build meaningful connections helping to provide the very best for the children in our care while strengthening their transition into school.”
Castle Primary School hopes the network will develop into a long-term partnership supporting individual settings and contributing to positive outcomes for children and families across the wider community.
Local nursery providers interested in joining the network are invited to contact the school for further information on 01884 253398 or by email at admin@castletiverton.school.
