The Balancing Act: NEPI Meeting 1

We were thrilled to host the first meeting of North East Primary Innovators (NEPI) at Cragside Primary School on 17th October 2024. The focus of the day was The Balancing Act: what works in teaching reading and writing. 

Who are North East Primary Innovators (NEPI)?

NEPI is a newly established network which aims to drive educational improvement and excellence by championing collaborative leadership and innovation in teaching and learning. 

The six schools involved are Cragside Primary School, The Sele First School, Hotspur Primary School, Greenhaugh Primary School, Shilbottle Primary School and Chillingham Road Primary School.

The Balancing Act with Dominic Wyse

Dominic Wyse, a professor at UCL, led a session as part of the day exploring the teaching of reading and writing in schools, particularly reflecting on synthetic phonics and broader approaches to literacy education. During the discussion, he introduced The Balanced Approach, a concept he elaborates on in his book of the same name (Co-written with Charlotte Hacking). This framework emphasizes a considered approach to teaching phonics within the context of meaningful, engaging literacy experiences. 

Wyse and Hacking advocate integrating phonics instruction into activities that involve sharing rich, beautiful books and engaging children in a wide variety of texts. This approach aims to combine technical skill development with fostering a love for reading and an appreciation for literature.

Reflection and Collaboration

NEPI schools examined the teaching of reading and writing in their own schools, particularly on how we can balance both phonics instruction and fostering a love of literature. We went on to consider how using high quality texts enhances reading skills and nurtures critical thinking, imagination and empathy. 

We were also delighted to be joined by Dr. Beverley-Prevatt Goldstein for the day, Dr. Beverley Prevatt-Goldstein led us in a discussion about diversity, literature, and ensuring all voices are reflected and heard in schools. We talked about the importance of representation from the outset, avoiding stereotypes and amplifying marginalised perspectives.