Moving the Box Project launches in Lewisham

This week saw the launch of the Moving the Box Programme in Lewisham, a professional development initiative designed to support early years leaders and practitioners in tackling disadvantage and improving children's trajectories for success. The programme focuses on identifying and removing barriers that may prevent children from thriving, particularly those most at risk of not achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) at the end of Reception. 

The first training day encouraged participants to reflect on what success looks like in the EYFS, explore factors contributing to the attainment gap, and consider how curriculum, pedagogy and high-quality interactions can be used intentionally to support every child. A key message throughout the day was that practitioners have the power to influence outcomes through their daily decisions, relationships and teaching approaches.

Over the coming year, settings will work together through training, networking and peer support to identify children at risk of underachievement, develop targeted strategies, and gather evidence of effective practice. The project aims to create a growing resource base of approaches that successfully improve outcomes for children and narrow the disadvantage gap.

As settings move into the autumn term, participants will be identifying children who may be at risk of not achieving in line with their peers, analysing specific barriers to success, and developing focused interventions to support positive developmental and learning trajectories.

We look forward to sharing learning, reflections and impact from the Moving the Box journey throughout the year.