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What is the RCTN?
This is a joyful community committed to positive, purposeful practice in Reception classes.
Regular meetings of teachers with a clear focus on research and evidence and opportunity for continued professional development. We will be looking closely at the intention, implementation and impact of high quality inclusive practice for Reception class teaching and learning.
When is the RCTN and how does it work?
The RCTN has half termly meetings (6 per academic year), which run online. We coordinate opportunities for face to face hubs to establish and join the online sessions synchronously.
For ease of reference, we have established a regular time slot of Tuesdays from 4.30-6pm
The meetings focus on a particular theme of Early Years Literacies addressing topics chosen by participants. All sessions are interactive and informative.
What’s involved in the RCTN meetings?
The meetings are split into three segments allowing for
- time to talk with other teachers in small groups, responding to provocations, sharing your experiences,
- hearing from and interacting with early years researchers and expert guest speakers
- giving examples of early years practice from your region/context and contributing to a collaborative collection of resources to support your practice
- exploring opportunities to collaborate on projects and action research, for those who are interested
How do I register for the RCTN?
To register and for further information please contact - info@receptionclassteachernetwork.org
Meeting themes are decided by the membership and continue to cover a range of pedagogical and practical aspects of Reception Class Practice.
Meeting 17: January 2027 – Risky Play - Sarah Watkins
Meeting 16: November 2026 – Resources for Reception Teachers - Nancy Stewart
Meeting 15: September 2026 – Early Identification of need - Penny Hannant
Meeting 14: July 2026 – Knowing, respecting and learning with multilingual children and communities - Rachel Wolfendale
Meeting 13: May 2026 – Fair Judgments? Assessment in EYFS - Sharon Vince
Meeting 12: March 2026 – The continuing dilemma that is inclusion - Penny Borkett
Meeting 11: January 2026 – Addressing challenging themes - Sam Hulston, Lucy Rodriguez and Sara Stanley
Meeting 10: November 2025 – Little Minds, Big Feelings - Kate Russell and Eleanor Milligan
Meeting 9: September 2025 – Discovering the joys of early writing - Greg Bottrill
Meeting 8: July 2025 – Celebrating and Curating Continuous Provision - Viki Veale
Below you can uncover more examples of the meeting content, structure and feedback from members.
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