Guidance

Reception networks 

A guide to the government’s universal support to help schools improve the quality of reception-year provision. 

From:
Department for Education
Published
12 March 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Reception networks

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Reception year is the final year of the early years foundation stage and the first year of school.

Improving reception-year quality supports the government’s ambition for 75% of children to reach a good level of development at the end of reception year by 2028. 

This guidance explains how reception networks will support that ambition. It is for:

  • all primary schools
  • reception teachers
  • school leaders
  • academy trusts
  • local authorities

Updates to this page

Published 12 March 2026

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