Blog | Embedding Strong Foundations in Reception & KS1

Lisa Baggaley, Curriculum & Assessment Manager, reflects on the Strong foundations in the first years of School Research Report, its influence on both the writing framework and the Ofsted State-funded school inspection toolkit and the implications for schools.

"The report highlights the importance of identifying and sequencing the key knowledge children need to learn during Reception and KS1, including communication and language, word reading, handwriting, spelling, and number fact recall, to ensure lifelong learning and future educational success.

Through working with colleagues in schools, our Curriculum and Assessment Partners are aware of the difficulties children experience when they are introduced to complex reading and writing tasks too early, before securing foundational skills such as forming letters, spelling, or composing simple sentences. 

The Writing Framework (2025) emphasises embedding language development from the earliest stages, equipping children for writing and encouraging oral composition while they are still mastering transcription skills such as handwriting and spelling.

We understand the importance of providing children with opportunities to speak in full sentences, narrate their play, and orally compose what they want to write. Adults in school play a key role in this through high-quality interactions: modelling language, echoing and expanding on children’s speech, storytelling, and sharing rhymes and songs. 

We are currently developing a writing pathway to support the explicit teaching of handwriting and phonics for spelling from the start of Reception, alongside oral composition. Children will practise letter formation, spelling, and writing dictated sentences before progressing to extended writing.

The report also highlights the importance of sharing specific information about gaps in a child's foundational knowledge during transitions to the next year group, for example, issues with letter formation or number bond knowledge. 

We know early identification and intervention will support children to catch up and work towards reaching their full potential. It is clear that what happens in Reception and KS1 shapes everything that follows. 

In addition to providing English and maths CPD, in-school support, and research-based intervention programmes, the SIL Early Years Education and Curriculum and Assessment Partners have worked together to develop a suite of three new training courses designed to empower senior leaders, EYFS leads, and KS1 teachers. 

The ‘Ofsted: Understanding and Preparing for the Renewed Framework - Strong Foundations: Embedding Excellence in Reception and KS1’ training sessions are designed to support effective implementation of the research report and guidance, ensuring a whole-school approach to supporting all children to secure strong foundations for future learning."

What does the training cover?

Rooted in the Strong Foundations report, The Writing Framework guidance, and Ofsted toolkits, the sessions will support colleagues to:

• Gain practical tools and knowledge to ensure every child builds the core skills they need.
• Identify learning needs early and implement targeted strategies to close gaps - ensuring every child, particularly those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds, receives the support they need to thrive and make progress.
• Refine teaching practice so key concepts are prioritised and secured through curriculum design, effective pedagogy, and ongoing assessment.

The sessions will support colleagues to:

• Prioritise foundational learning: Structuring Reception and KS1 curriculums to define and sequence essential skills in communication, language, word reading, handwriting, spelling, and number fact recall.
• Design impactful learning experiences: Building fluency in literacy and numeracy from day one, fostering confident learners, and narrowing attainment gaps.
• Reflect and refine provision: Ensuring pupils are exceptionally well-prepared for the next stage of learning.

The series is available as a bundle or as three standalone sessions.

Early Bird Incentive - £290 for all three sessions if booked before 9 January 2026.

Find out more or book your place online.