United front to give Torquay children best start in school journey

A Torquay primary school is leading a new initiative to give children the best start in school life.

Lift Barton Hill Primary School is working in partnership with other local schools, nurseries and childminders to help children settle confidently into school.

The initiative has been awarded up to £25,000 in Department for Education funding for its first year.

This will support partners to share expertise and provide training, helping give children the best possible start to their educational journey.

The other partners are St Marychurch Primary School, St Margaret's Primary Academy, Homelands Primary School, Watcombe Primary School, Watcombe Children’s Centre and Priory Roman Catholic School.

The project will focus on sharing good practice and helping Early Years providers and schools work more closely together, giving children a more consistent experience as they prepare to start school.

During the first phase of the programme, staff will have opportunities to visit each other’s settings, share ideas and take part in high-quality training.

The partnership will also look at where children and families may need extra support, including children with special needs and those who may face additional challenges before starting school.

The group will also work with local organisations including Torbay Council’s Early Years Team, health visitors, speech and language therapists, SEND services and family support organisations, bringing together the expertise already available across the area.

Lyndsey Porter, Lift Barton Hill’s Assistant Principal and Early Years and Year 1 Lead, who put together the successful bid, will coordinate the work and manage the funding.

The schools, nurseries and childminders involved will work together to decide what they should focus on and how the funding can best support local children.

The initial development phase runs until March 2027, with the partnership able to apply for further funding for up to two additional years.

Lyndsey said: ““We’re really pleased to be bringing schools, nurseries and childminders together to share what works, learn from each other and build on the good work already happening across Torquay.

“For staff, it’s a great opportunity to share their experience, develop their knowledge and see how other settings ensure children receive a high-quality Early Years education. For children and families, we hope that closer working between Early Years settings and schools will make transitions feel as smooth and positive as possible.

“Most importantly, this gives us a chance to work together to ensure a consistent offer of excellence in Early Years education across Torquay.”

Sam Smith, Principal at at Lift Barton Hill, said: “We know that children thrive when the adults around them work together.

“We are delighted to be bringing our local schools, private nurseries and childminders together, alongside Torbay Council, to share expertise, learn from one another and strengthen the support we offer to children and families.

“By working in partnership, we can make a real difference to children’s early experiences and ensure that every child in Barton Hill, Watcombe and Hele has the strongest possible start to their educational journey.”

Ruth Murad, Director of Primary Education for Lift Schools, said: “Children’s transition into school is a critical stage that sets the tone for their future learning, so the more we can do to help them feel confident and ready, the better. By bringing schools, nurseries and childminders together, this partnership gives those working with young children the chance to share what works, learn from one another and provide more consistent support as children prepare for this next step.”