Laying early foundations for lifelong impact By the time a child starts school, the gap between those who are ready to learn and those already at a disadvantage can be wide and hard to close. That’s why what happens before Reception class, and in those crucial early years of school, matters so much. Across Education South West, we are reshaping our approach to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) to give every child the strongest possible start. From phonics and vocabulary to social confidence and emotional development, we are working to make sure children build the right foundations for learning. Our EYFS curriculum has been carefully refined across the trust to focus on the critical knowledge and skills children need from nursery through to Year 1. This means ensuring that what is taught builds step by step, in a clear and logical progression, giving children both confidence and security as they move between phases. We’re paying particular attention to transition by strengthening continuity between nursery and Reception, and from Reception into Key Stage 1. In some of our schools, where Reception and Year 1 are taught together, we’re learning how purposeful play can continue to support deep learning even as children begin to access more formal elements of the curriculum. Language, play and purpose High-quality spoken language is one of the best predictors of later academic success. So across our schools, children are immersed in rhymes, storytelling, and meaningful conversation from the very beginning. Vocabulary is deliberately taught, modelled, and revisited to give children the tools they need to understand and express themselves with growing confidence. We also ensure that early reading, writing and maths are rooted in strong foundations. Functional skills are introduced early - even in nursery - and we make sure children have the chance to practise and apply what they’ve learned through structured play and purposeful activity. Safe, nurturing, predictable Young children need to feel safe and supported to thrive. That’s why we place strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, relationships and routines. In every classroom, clear boundaries and behaviour expectations help create calm, predictable environments where children can focus and flourish. Our approach is rooted in understanding where each child is developmentally, not just where they are meant to be on paper. Daily formative assessment through observation, conversation and careful listening means we can spot small gaps early and respond quickly with the right support. Partnering with families We know that families are our most important partners. That’s why we work closely with parents and carers through regular communication, progress updates and curriculum sharing. By bringing families into the learning journey, we can build greater consistency between home and school - supporting routines, confidence and school readiness together. Investing in expertise None of this is possible without great people. We continue to invest in the training, coaching and support of all early years practitioners across the trust. Through our ESW Early Years Network, we’re sharing what works across schools and helping raise the bar for early years practice beyond our own communities. That commitment is being recognised nationally. Kingsbridge Primary School has already received a Pearson Bronze Teaching Award for Best Early Years Team, and is the first of our schools to achieve the Prem Aware Award, with others set to follow in the coming year. When we get it right for children at the beginning of their education, we set them up for success far beyond the classroom.

Teign Community Leaders Breakfast Sparks Collaboration and Ideas for New Hub Community leaders gathered at Teign School this month for the inaugural Teign community leaders breakfast, hosted to shape the priorities of the new Teign community hub. The event brought together representatives from schools, local charities, the NHS, Devon County Council, youth organisations, and local businesses, including the Boxing Academy, Kingsteignton and Rydon Primaries, the Met Office, Bovey Castle, The Fourth CIC, Body Happy, Young Devon, Life Chance Trust, and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Attendees shared insights into local challenges, identified gaps in services, and explored opportunities to develop the hub in a way that best supports children, young people, and families in the area. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, community input, and innovation in creating services that truly meet local needs. The event included a presentation, interactive discussions, and the opportunity for attendees to provide feedback on how the hub can have the greatest impact. Feedback will be collated and shared with participants, forming the foundation for future meetings and initiatives. The breakfast marks the first step in an ongoing process to build a strong, community-led hub that supports learning, opportunity, and well-being for children and families across Kingsteignton. Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said: "It was fantastic to meet so many passionate people at the breakfast. Hearing first-hand from local leaders and exploring ways we can work together to develop the Teign Community Hub was inspiring. This event marks the beginning of a network that will help our community thrive." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "Collaboration is at the heart of the Teign Community Hub. Bringing local leaders together ensures the hub focuses on the areas that matter most and creates lasting, positive change for the community."

South Devon UTC Inspires Students at Careers and Opportunities Fair  South Devon UTC students gained valuable insight into their future career options during the school’s recent Careers and Opportunities Fair, held this month.  The event was designed to introduce students to the wide range of pathways available after school, with a particular focus on opportunities within engineering and health-related industries. Employers, universities and training providers came together to showcase potential career routes and speak directly with students about their experiences.  Students attended the fair in mixed groups, beginning with year 10, allowing them to explore the event together, share ideas and learn from one another. Year 11 students joined later in the day, bringing further enthusiasm and energy as they explored their next steps after GCSEs.  In preparation for the event, students were given a set of questions to help guide conversations with exhibitors. This encouraged them to think carefully about their ambitions, ask meaningful questions and gather information about the different opportunities available.  Sixth Form students also took part throughout the day, dropping in to speak with employers, universities and training providers about potential progression routes after their studies.  The event created a lively and inspiring atmosphere across the school, with students engaging enthusiastically with representatives from a wide range of organisations and institutions.  Engineering student James said:  “It was great to see such a wide range of organisations here today and to hear about some very interesting career opportunities.”  Another student commented that speaking with representatives from the Royal Navy had helped clarify their future plans, saying: “After chatting with them today I now know what I want to do.”  The fair welcomed representatives from a wide range of organisations including universities, NHS services, training providers and major employers such as Network Rail, Babcock International, Kier Infrastructure, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force.  Universities including Bath Spa University, Oxford Brookes University, the University of South Wales, Aberystwyth University and the University of Plymouth were also present, offering advice on higher education pathways. The college regularly works with employers and industry partners to ensure students are well prepared for the next stage of their education or career, helping them develop the knowledge, skills and connections needed to succeed in the world of work.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “Events like our Careers and Opportunities Fair are incredibly important in helping students see the wide range of pathways open to them. By bringing employers, universities and training providers directly into the college, students can ask questions, build confidence and start to picture what their future might look like. It was fantastic to see the level of curiosity and enthusiasm from our students as they spoke with professionals from so many different sectors.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Connecting students with employers and industry partners is a vital part of preparing young people for the world beyond school. South Devon UTC’s Careers and Opportunities Fair is a great example of how meaningful experiences and conversations can inspire ambition and help students understand the many routes available to them. We are grateful to all the organisations who gave their time to support and inspire our students.”

Live Theatre Performance Inspires Students at South Devon UTC  South Devon UTC welcomed theatre company Narrative Alchemy for a powerful live performance this month on the theme of respect.  The production used storytelling and professional stage performance to explore important themes around relationships and personal responsibility. Delivered directly within the college environment, the performance provided students with the opportunity to experience live theatre while engaging with thought provoking ideas relevant to their everyday lives.  Through strong acting and compelling storytelling, the performance captured students’ attention and encouraged meaningful reflection on the importance of positive attitudes and respectful interactions.  The visit formed part of South Devon UTC’s wider commitment to supporting students’ personal development alongside their technical and academic studies.  Narrative Alchemy is run by Co-artistic directors Gemma Paget and Sean McGrath, who have built a shared career exploring storytelling and the human experience through theatre. They founded AlterEgo Creative Solutions, a theatre-in-education company whose productions addressing social issues reached hundreds of thousands of young people. Drawing on this experience, they launched their latest venture, Narrative Alchemy, which explores the transformative power of drama and story.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “We were delighted to welcome Narrative Alchemy to the college. The performance was engaging, thought provoking and delivered important messages in a way that really resonated with our students. Opportunities like this help bring learning to life and support the personal development of our young people.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Experiences such as this show how creative arts can play an important role in education. Live performances can challenge perspectives, spark discussion and help young people reflect on their own actions and values. We are pleased that students at South Devon UTC had the opportunity to take part in such a meaningful experience.”

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Explore Local Landscapes in Creative Environmental Project  Pupils from Dartmouth Academy joined students from King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and local artists for an innovative environmental project celebrating the region’s landscapes this term.  The project encouraged young people to explore their local environment and express their experiences through creative arts. Pupils visited Beesands to discuss storm damage and the costs of repairs, and they took part in a range of Forest School-inspired activities including fire making, archery, mud kitchen activities, and various crafts.   As a final task, groups created mixed-media compositions imagining what the local landscape should look like in 50 years. Pupils then presented their ideas to peers and National Landscape staff, who are collecting this “youth voice” as part of broader environmental consultation. Unanimously, pupils expressed a desire for a rural setting with fewer buildings, less concrete, and reduced human impact, with a strong focus on self-sustainability.  The project was closely aligned with Dartmouth Academy’s Art and Design curriculum, allowing pupils to develop their skills across multiple media and techniques while engaging in meaningful conversations about creativity, environment, and sustainability.  Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "This project has been a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with the environment around them and express their creativity. Working with local artists and students from KEVICC has given them a fresh perspective on both art and the natural world. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and ideas come to life while also applying the skills and thinking developed through our Art and Design curriculum."  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, added: "It’s wonderful to see our students using their creativity to engage with the world around them. This project demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for exploring environmental themes, developing both practical skills and critical thinking. By collaborating with local artists and fellow students, our young people are learning to see, interpret, and respond to their surroundings in a meaningful way, experiences that will stay with them long beyond the classroom."

Kingsbridge Community College Students Showcase Creativity in ‘Sixth Sense’ Art Exhibition  Students from Kingsbridge Community College are showcasing their creative talents in a special A-Level Art and Photography exhibition titled “Sixth Sense”, currently on display at Harbour House in the town.  The exhibition, running until the 21st March, features an impressive collection of work created by A-Level students, exploring themes of perception, identity, imagination and the world around them through a range of artistic media. Visitors can view the exhibition Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm.  The exhibition highlights the depth of creativity and technical skill developed by students through the college’s Art, Craft and Design curriculum. At Kingsbridge Community College, art is seen as a powerful way for students to express creative skill and imagination, producing work that communicates ideas, emotions and messages while developing confidence, resilience and critical thinking.  Throughout their studies, students explore a wide variety of artistic processes and techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, textiles and mixed media. They are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks and develop personal responses to themes and ideas, building both technical expertise and their own artistic voice.  The “Sixth Sense” exhibition provides an opportunity for students to present this work to the local community, celebrating their achievements while demonstrating the importance of creativity and artistic exploration in education.  The exhibition also reflects the college’s commitment to enrichment and creative opportunities beyond the classroom. Students regularly take part in workshops, collaborations with practising artists and visits that connect them with the wider creative industries.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  “Art enables students to respond to the world in a personal and expressive way. Through projects like this exhibition, our students are able to showcase their creativity, explore powerful ideas and develop the confidence to share their artistic voices with a wider audience.”  Matthew Shank, CEO of Education South West said:  “It’s fantastic to see the creativity, imagination and technical skill our students have developed on display for the community. Exhibitions like ‘Sixth Sense’ highlight how important the arts are in education, giving young people the confidence to express their ideas, explore different perspectives and develop their own creative voice. We are incredibly proud of the students from Kingsbridge Community College for the dedication and originality they have shown in producing such an inspiring body of work.”

South Devon UTC Welcomes Police Dog Visit to Support Student Safety  South Devon UTC welcomed officers from Devon & Cornwall Police this month as part of a planned visit aimed at educating students and reinforcing the importance of keeping schools safe.   The visit formed part of a wider initiative involving several local schools across Teignbridge, including a visit to another ESW school, Coombeshead Academy. During the session at South Devon UTC, police officers and a trained passive drugs detection dog visited a number of classrooms, speaking with students about the purpose of the visit and how schools and police work together to keep young people safe.  The visit was led by passive drugs dog handler PC Steve Waters, alongside neighbourhood officers PC Jo Gilbrook and PC Claire Hurrell. The team were welcomed by staff at South Devon UTC and guided through a small number of lessons as part of the planned operation.  During each classroom visit, students were briefly asked to leave the room one by one with their bags so the trained dog could passively detect any substances. The process was quick and designed to cause minimal disruption to learning, with students returning to lessons immediately afterwards.  The initiative is designed primarily as an educational and preventative measure, helping young people understand the risks associated with drugs while demonstrating the strong partnership between schools and local police.  South Devon UTC continues to work closely with local partners to ensure students learn in a safe, supportive and positive environment.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “Keeping our students safe and well is always our top priority. Visits like this help reinforce important messages about making positive choices and show students that schools and police work closely together to support our communities. We are grateful to Devon & Cornwall Police for working with us and for delivering the visit in a way that was calm, respectful and focused on education.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “These visits are about education and prevention. By working with the police we can help young people understand the risks associated with drugs and promote healthy, safe choices. We want students to see the police as approachable and supportive, and these visits help build those positive relationships.”

Putting people first: rights, wellbeing and the whole child  Here is the next in the series of articles from our annual review:  Children thrive when they feel heard, respected and supported – and the same is true for the adults who teach and care for them. Across our trust, the Rights Respecting Schools and Well Schools movements are helping to create environments where everyone can flourish. A Rights Respecting School places the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of school life. Children’s rights are actively taught, respected and experienced in the day-to-day life of the school. Pupil-led steering groups meet regularly, and young people are given genuine opportunities to help shape decisions and lead change. Across the trust, schools are progressing through the Rights Respecting Schools accreditation process. Stoke Fleming, East Allington and Blackawton have achieved Gold status, with Kingsteignton, Rydon, Coombeshead, Teign and KCC holding Silver. KEVICC is hoping to move from Bronze to Silver this academic year, while Christow, Dartmouth, Wynstream and Kingsbridge Primary have already reached Bronze. South Devon UTC is working towards its first award. With several reaccreditations due in the coming months, our commitment to children’s rights remains a central part of our work. Alongside this, our schools are developing as Well Schools – placing as much emphasis on wellbeing as on academic performance. A Well School still has high expectations, but it understands that children and young people are more effective learners when they are happy and healthy – and that staff are better educators when they are genuinely supported. Well Schools look after the mental and physical health of their pupils and staff to create a culture where everyone can reach their potential. The link between wellbeing and achievement is clear. The evidence shows that improved physical, social and emotional health leads to better educational outcomes, particularly for those facing the greatest inequalities. Over time, this work contributes to increased progress and attainment, improved attendance, greater self-efficacy, and reduced exclusions. It also helps to improve job satisfaction and staff retention – a vital consideration as schools face increasing demands with fewer resources. We know that unhealthy, unhappy children don’t learn. At the same time, schools are being asked to do more with less, while also responding to a growing mental and physical health crisis. Our education system must adapt and think differently to meet the needs of pupils and provide the support our educators require. That’s why we’ve invested in wellbeing across the trust – from training Senior Mental Health Leads and Mental Health First Aiders, to launching a confidential wellbeing email helpline and expanding our digital wellbeing library. These are not one-off initiatives. ESW is making a long-term commitment to building schools where everyone feels safe, valued and able to succeed because the evidence is clear: happier teachers and happier children make for better learning environments.

ESW CEO to Help Shape Future of National School Food Policy  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West (ESW), will now represent the region on the national stage, championing the vital role of nutritious, sustainable school food in improving the lives of all children and young people. He has been appointed Chair of the School Food Review, a national coalition of more than 40 organisations working together to improve the school food system in England.  The School Food Review brings together charities, unions, catering organisations, educational bodies and academics, supported by Impact on Urban Health, School Food Matters, Chefs in Schools, Bite Back and The Food Foundation. Its shared vision is simple but ambitious: every child, regardless of where they live, should have the same opportunity to access and enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food.  Stephanie Slater, Founder and Chief Executive at School Food Matters, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Matthew Shanks as the new chair of the School Food Review. With valuable expertise in the education sector and a strong track record of strategic leadership, Matthew is ideally placed to guide our work.   “Under his leadership, we will continue shaping the government's policy commitments and advancing our mission to champion nutritious, delicious school food for every child."  Naomi Duncan, Chief Executive of Chefs in Schools, added: “Matthew is joining the School Food Review at a pivotal moment. With the upcoming expansion of free school meals, revised school food standards and wider breakfast provision, we have a real opportunity to transform children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.   “Children spend around 190 days a year in school, eating more than half their daily food there, so getting this right matters. Matthew’s education expertise and deep belief in the transformative power of school food will be invaluable as we work together to realise its full potential.”   Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “High-quality school food plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. When pupils have access to nutritious, sustainable meals, they are better equipped to focus, attend regularly and achieve their potential.   “Working with schools every day, I see how the right support strengthens outcomes for children and makes a meaningful difference for families.”  His appointment comes at a significant moment for school food policy. The government has recently announced that from the 2026 academic year, free school meals will be extended to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. The change is expected to provide more than half a million additional children with a free nutritious meal and lift an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty.  The government has also pledged to review and update the School Food Standards to reflect the latest nutrition guidance and to strengthen monitoring arrangements, alongside its flagship School Breakfast policy.  The School Food Review has played a key role in campaigning for these changes. Recent reports published by the coalition, including The Superpowers of Free School Meals (2025), highlight the wide-ranging benefits of high-quality school food, including improved attendance, higher attainment, better health outcomes and reduced inequalities over a child’s lifetime.  Findings from the breakfast clubs early adopters scheme (2025) further demonstrate the positive impact of free primary breakfast clubs on attendance, wellbeing and readiness to learn, while underlining the need for sustainable funding and clear guidance to ensure quality provision.  As Chair, Matthew will help guide the coalition’s strategic direction, strengthen its voice within the education sector and act as a spokesperson with school leaders and policymakers. The role is voluntary and will sit alongside his leadership of ESW.

Student Leaders Gather for Education South West Leadership Conference  More than 40 student leaders from across Education South West (ESW) schools came together for a Student Leadership Conference hosted at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes this term. Students from KEVICC, Teign School, Coombeshead Academy, Kingsbridge Community College and Dartmouth Academy attended the event.  The event brought together 42 student leaders from year 7 through to year 13, providing an opportunity for young people from different schools to share ideas, develop leadership skills and discuss how student leadership can have a stronger impact in their schools.  The conference featured a range of speakers with experience in leadership. Although Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon, was unable to attend in person, she delivered a comprehensive video message reflecting on her career in leadership and the lessons she has learned along the way.  Other speakers included Matthew Shanks, ESW CEO and Tom Pether, Sustainability Lead for Education South West, who shared their perspectives on leadership, responsibility and the importance of student voice.  Students from each school also delivered presentations explaining how student leadership operates within their own communities and the positive impact it has on school life.  Following the presentations, students worked in mixed-school groups to explore key questions about leadership, including how schools can make student leadership more impactful and effective, what personal qualities make a strong leader, and what advice they would offer to primary school pupils who aspire to become leaders in the future.  The discussions generated a number of common themes, including raising the profile of student leadership across schools,  increasing student involvement in decision making and creating more opportunities for younger pupils to develop leadership skills.  Students also expressed enthusiasm for more opportunities to connect with fellow student leaders across schools during the year. Plans are now being explored to support this through regular online meetings and collaborative initiatives.  The conference highlighted the growing importance of student voice across Education South West schools and reinforced the trust’s commitment to developing confident, thoughtful young leaders who can make a positive contribution to their communities.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “It was inspiring to see so many young people from across our schools come together to share ideas and learn from one another. Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping positive school communities, and events like this give students the confidence and platform to have their voices heard. The passion and thoughtfulness shown by the students at the conference demonstrates just how important their contributions are to the future of our schools.”