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Welcome
to RCTN
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The Reception Class Teacher Network (RCTN) is a practitioner-led professional network supporting all those who work in Reception classes to develop confident, knowledgeable and developmentally appropriate practice.
This community offers opportunity to:
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share professional knowledge, experience and expertise;
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access research-informed continuing professional development (CPD);
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make the distinctive role and expertise of the Reception teacher more visible;
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create opportunities for teachers to influence research, policy and professional practice;
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develop local professional communities and networks;
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connect practitioners with relevant researchers, organisations and sector partners; and
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ensure that the priorities and experiences of Reception teachers inform the future direction of the network.
RCTN operates as a community of practice, recognising educators as knowledgeable professionals and positioning their experience alongside research evidence and wider early childhood expertise.
Network Meetings 2026-27
All meetings run from 4pm-5.30pm online or via your local hub
Tues 15th September
Tues 17th November
Tues 26th January
Tues 9th march
Tues 11th May
Tues 6th July
Themes so far chosen for these meetings include
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Child Development
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Identifying needs at the start of the year
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Risky play
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Environmental education
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Neuro inclusive practice in the Reception class
What do the teachers say?
"This group has been transformational for me and my colleagues in our cluster. It has been such a great way to interact with other EYFS teachers, hear from really valuable voices in the academic world, engage with free CPD in a climate where gaining access to CPD through work is more difficult, and has been a source of support and inspiration."
Teacher attending local hub
"As a trainee teacher, attending meetings and talking to a range of teachers "on the frontline" has helped me link theory and practice, understanding the challenges of implementation and making me feel more prepared for September when I will be "on the frontline" myself.."
Trainee teacher attending online
How does it work?
WHEN ARE THE MEETINGS?
The RCTN has half termly meetings, 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 4.00-5.30pm
The meetings focus on a particular theme of practice or pedagogy chosen by participants. All sessions are interactive and informative.
MEETING FORMAT
The meetings are split into three segments allowing for
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time to talk with other teachers in small groups, responding to provocations, sharing your experiences,
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hearing from and interacting with early years researchers and expert guest speakers
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giving examples of early years practice from your region/context and contributing to a collaborative collection of resources to support your practice
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exploring opportunities to collaborate on projects and action research, for those who are interested
CORE PRINCIPLES
RCTN is:
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Practitioner-led – Reception teachers' experiences and priorities drive the network.
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Research-informed – activities draw on relevant research and evidence.
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Collaborative – knowledge is developed collectively.
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Developmentally informed – the distinctive characteristics of young children's learning are central.
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Inclusive – the network welcomes teachers and professionals with an interest in Reception practice.
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Reflective – members are encouraged to question, explore and evaluate practice.
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Connected – RCTN links teachers with researchers and the wider early childhood sector.
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Independent – the network maintains its own identity, governance and strategic direction.
Local Hubs
Local hubs provide a more geographically connected opportunity within the network.
A hub is hosted by a Reception teacher or other appropriate early years professional who is willing to facilitate local professional connection.
Hub hosts:
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organise a space for a group of local colleagues to gather face to face and engage with the synchronous online meeting;
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facilitate discussion around Reception practice;
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connect local teachers;
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identify local priorities and challenges;
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encourage sharing of resources and expertise;
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feed relevant issues/thoughts/ideas back into the national network via the shared Padlet; and
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help strengthen the sustainability of local professional communities.
Hubs are intentionally flexible. They predominantly operate face-to-face, but may operate online when circumstances require or through a combination of approaches.
The national network provides:
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a Hub Host Pack;
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guidance and resources;
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communication support; and
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mechanisms for sharing learning nationally.
RCTN does not prescribe a single model of local membership to a hub. The purpose is to enable local communities to respond to their own context.
If you would like to consider setting up a hub in your school - email us for more information
info@receptionclassteachernetwork.org
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RCTN Coordinators
As previous Reception class teachers ourselves, we are developing this collaborative space for educators to thrive, featuring shared discussions and resources that promote professional growth.
We also advocate for the children and adults who work in Reception classes, making visible the opportunities, challenges and distinctiveness of early years pedagogy in primary school settings.
RCTN Allies
Allies play a vital role in enriching our professional development offerings by sharing expertise, recommending resources, or suggesting innovative strategies. Allies support this network by presenting as a guest speakers, proposing insightful readings, or connecting us with other experts in the field or building awareness of our offer. Allies help shape the future of Early Years education by collaborating with RCTN.
Whether you are an early childhood academic, consultant, advisor, researcher, leader, or experienced professional with knowledge to share, the Reception Class Teacher Network (RCTN) invites you to become an Ally in our mission to support and inspire Reception class teachers.
Who are we?
Eleanor Milligan is an Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia, Coordinator of the Reception Class Teacher Network and TACTYC Trustee. An experienced early childhood teacher educator and researcher, her work focuses on Reception practice, professional development, early childhood pedagogy and strengthening connections between research, policy and practice.
Viki Veale is an experienced educator and researcher committed to supporting the professional development of the Early Years workforce. She does this through her research, policy level advocacy and roles as an Associate Professor at St Marys University, chair of TACTYC, coordinator of RCTN and co-lead of the BELMAS LEYER RIG.
Janet Morris is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Greenwich and Coordinator of the Reception Class Teacher Network. An experienced teacher and leader of EYFS, her work focuses on Reception practice and early childhood pedagogy. Her research interests include children's early language development and collaborative research with parents and practitioners.
Lorna Williams is Principal Lecturer and Course Leader for Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) at the University of Worcester. Drawing on 17 years’ teaching experience, alongside leadership roles in pre-school and Reception, her research and writing explore EYFS distinctiveness, teacher identity, pedagogy and professional practice.