Research School Network: Celebrating Ipswich Associate Research School’s evolution to East of England Early Years Stronger Practice Hub East of England Early Years Stronger Practice Hub

The end of the academic year will see Ipswich Associate Research School (IARS) complete its involvement in the EEF’s Research School Network and focus fully on the exciting role as Stronger Practice Hub for the East of England.

This evolution in role reflects the journey the IARS has been on and the significant role Ipswich Associate Research School has played in sharing evidence-based practice in the locality and wider region. Throughout its designation, expertise in evidence-informed teaching and learning, building partnerships and supporting the use of evidence in scale has been valued by schools. This is particularly the case through the extensive project work associated with the Ipswich Opportunity Area (IOA) through funded projects, to develop and share expertise and create local networks to share and embed evidence-based practice and support collaboration. Research School Director, Eileen Allpress will continue the work of supporting schools and settings, as the Research Lead for the Stronger Practice Hub. Eileen has been integral in delivering Implementation, learning behaviour, metacognition training, as well as preparing for literacy and early maths to schools and settings in Ipswich, as part of the IOA work. Eileen reflects;

​‘The IARS work with the Opportunity Area has meant I support a range of settings and schools to ensure evidence-based practice is used when working with our youngest and most vulnerable children and young people. I am excited and pleased within my role in the Stronger Practice Hub based out of Highfield Nursery School to be continuing this work across the East of England, for the Stronger Practice Hub’.

This was never more evident than in the work established through Early Years evidence-based practice and building the next steps as Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.

This DfE funded initiative focuses on building upon the solid foundation of evidence-based practices in early childhood education and care. By leveraging research approaches, the Stronger Practice Hub, based at Highfield Nursery, aims to strengthen and enhance the quality of early years education, setting the stage for the next steps in early childhood development. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the Hub serves as a dynamic platform for professionals in the field to exchange ideas, strategies, and best practices. Stronger Practice Hub Lead and Headteacher at Highfield, Ruth Coleman reflects on the impact of the work through the IARS and how this foundation has supported the designation and development of the Stronger Practice Hub.

​‘Understanding the importance of evidence-based practice and being able to deliver training to early years settings on implementation and effective early years professional development has meant we can target the best research from the RS network and focus on how to best use this in early years settings across the East of England. We are also in the process of working with the EEF to develop new research within the Early Years sector, including taking part in the EEFs early programme development for the Highfield Resilience Tracker’.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our colleagues and partners who have supported and engaged in the work of the Ipswich Associate Research School over its designation and hope that the key structures created will play a key role in sustaining impact and legacy through continued work of Unity Research School and East of England Stronger Practice Hub.

To find out more about the EEF projects the East of England Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is facilitating: Highfield Nursery School – Stronger Practice Hub