This year, we have continued to develop high-quality oracy across our Early Years provision through the implementation of the ShREC (SHaREd Conversations) approach. A strong emphasis has been placed on purposeful role play, with skilled adult interaction used to extend children's vocabulary, language development and communication skills. Carefully planned experiences, including growing vegetables and sunflowers, and engaging in imaginative role-play through our café and BBQ areas, have provided rich opportunities for children to talk, ask questions, solve problems and develop confidence in expressing their ideas. These experiences have fostered meaningful conversations and supported children's language development across all areas of learning.
Rachel Edkins, Ashby Fields Primary School
I am incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment shown by the staff at The Abbey throughout this year. Their passion for teaching and supporting every child has been instrumental in helping our pupils achieve an outstanding 92% pass rate in the 2026 Phonics Screening Check.
This achievement is also a testament to the determination, resilience, and effort of our children. They have worked exceptionally hard, embraced challenges, and shown a real enthusiasm for learning. Their success reflects the strong partnership between pupils, staff, and families, all working together to ensure every child reaches their full potential.
Reaching a 92% pass rate is a wonderful accomplishment and one that everyone at The Abbey should be extremely proud of. It celebrates the dedication of our staff, the perseverance of our children, and our shared commitment to achieving excellence for every learner. Congratulations to all involved on this fantastic achievement.
Lucy Kelsall, The Abbey Primary School
Many things have made me feel proud this year, but one particular highlight of this year was our PTA Summer Fayre. It made me incredibly proud to see people from across our whole school community—including teachers, teaching assistants, office staff, parents, and children—come together to create such a fantastic event. The teamwork, enthusiasm, and sense of community were wonderful to see, and raising £1,000 for our school was a brilliant achievement that will benefit all our children.
Mel Eldridge, Kettering Park Infant Academy
I am so incredibly proud of our children and staff and the way they continue to demonstrate our BEST values every day. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or representing our school at events or whilst on trips, they consistently show what it means to be Brave, Enthusiastic, Safe and Thoughtful.
Our BEST ethos is often seen in the moments that don't get recorded- through a smile, a gesture or in someone's character- how they go above and beyond to make someone else's day special.
The children's positive attitudes, resilience and kindness is often commented on by visitors and the public and their demonstration of these values makes Standens Barn a wonderful place to learn and work. I am delighted to be part of this team!
Amie James, Standens Barn Primary School
I have been proud of how our whole school has come together this year in so many different ways. Through all the events that we do that involve parents and the wider community, to our older children helping Reception to read and eat their lunches. It encapsulates our school value of 'synergy': working together for the good of the whole school. That is what makes me proud to say that 'We are Kingsley!'
Tom Griffiths, Kingsley Primary School
It was a proud moment to wave our Year 2 children off to their new schools. Watching them grow from the four-year-olds who first joined us into the confident, independent young people they are today has been a privilege.
Sarah O'Shea, St James Infant School
When I joined Little Harrowden four years ago, one of our first priorities was to establish a set of values that would define who we are as a school community. Together, we chose a simple but powerful mantra: "Kindness is Key."
Since then, we have worked hard to embed this value into every aspect of school life. One initiative that has become a much-loved part of our community is our Cup of Kindness Award, where members of staff nominate children who have been "caught" showing kindness to others.
This year, however, something remarkable has happened. Without prompting, the children have begun nominating one another after witnessing acts of kindness from their peers. For me, this is the greatest measure of how far we've come. Kindness is no longer something we encourage: it is something our children genuinely notice, value and celebrate in each other.
Seeing our pupils live and breathe our school values every day has made me incredibly proud. It reminds us that when we invest in developing character alongside achievement, we create a culture where kindness becomes contagious. That is something truly worth celebrating.
Beth Renshaw, Little Harrowden Primary School
What has made me most proud this year has been the unwavering dedication of our staff to our children at Hall Meadow. Throughout a year of change and challenge, staff have remained focused on what matters most – ensuring every child receives the support, care and opportunities they deserve.
I have been continually impressed by the resilience, professionalism and commitment shown across our team. Change can be difficult, but staff have embraced new ways of working with a positive attitude, supporting one another and keeping the needs of children at the centre of every decision.
I am also incredibly proud of the way people have come together as one team. There has been a real sense of collaboration, with staff sharing knowledge, stepping up when needed, and working collectively to achieve the best outcomes. It is this teamwork, combined with a genuine passion for making a difference, that makes our organisation such a special place.
Seeing our staff continue to put children first, navigate change with confidence, and support each other every step of the way.
Caroline Farmer, Hall Meadow Primary School
One of our biggest and proudest highlights this year has been the success of the EYFS community learning project throughout the summer term. This has been a great opportunity for the children to interact more with our community and experience the highlights that Wollaston has to offer. As part of this project, we have visited several locations, including the Wollaston Veggie Patch and the Wollaston Museum, to learn more about the village we live in. A particular highlight was when the children visited the village of Alpacas, one of which was named Boris. We have been fortunate enough to have parents volunteer and support with our trips out and the project culminated in a joint Teddy Bears picnic where the current reception get to have fun with our new children starting in September. We thank Miss Pullin and her team for all the hard work which went into organising such a successful community project.
Zoe Richards, Wollaston Primary School
One of my proudest moments this year has been seeing our children take such pride in their schools and community. From School Council members helping to shape school life and welcome new pupils, to our gardening teams working hard to transform our outdoor spaces, children across Rothwell Infant School and Rothwell Junior School have shown remarkable responsibility, enthusiasm and commitment. Seeing them work together to make a positive difference has been a wonderful reminder of the confidence, care and sense of belonging that exists across our Rothwell Schools family.
Emma Nutall, Rothwell Schools
What has made me particularly proud this year was seeing some of our Year 5 and Year 6 children supporting the younger year groups during Sports Day on 3rd July. Throughout the event, they showed exceptional patience, kindness and encouragement to children of all abilities. They confidently demonstrated the activities and races, helped younger pupils understand what to do, and enthusiastically cheered on every child who visited their station. Their positive attitudes and willingness to support others helped make the day a success and ensured that all children felt included and valued. They truly embodied the KPJA values of Pride, Achievement, Responsibility and Kindness, serving as excellent role models and demonstrating the very best of our school community.
Ann Walker, Kettering Park Junior Academy
We are incredibly proud of the resilience, creativity, and teamwork shown across FHIS during the recent heat waves.
Despite the soaring temperatures, learning never stopped. Our dedicated staff embraced creative thinking, adapting activities and making the most of both indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure every child remained safe, engaged, and comfortable.
From imaginative water play and sensory experiences to shaded storytelling, creative arts, and interactive games, the children continued to learn through fun, meaningful experiences while keeping cool. Staff worked together to rethink routines, ensuring that every day was filled with memorable moments, laughter, and opportunities to explore.
The smiles on the children’s faces were a true reflection of the care, dedication, and innovation of our team. Their ability to turn a challenging situation into a positive learning experience is something we are immensely proud of.
At FHIS, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting memories—and our recent heat waves were no exception.
Phoebe Giles, Falconer's Hill Infant School
