Creativity in Practice: NEPI Meeting 1 - 2nd Year

We were delighted to begin the second year of North East Primary Innovators (NEPI) at Hoults Yard on 25th September 2025. The focus of the day was Creativity in Practice.

Reflecting on the first year and looking forward

The morning commenced with a period of reflection on the significance and impact of the first year. Each school engaged in a thoughtful analysis of the words used when evalutaing the first year, articulating there relevance within their individual contexts, the influence they have had, and the ways in which they will inform future direction.

Later, schools were given the opportunity to revisit the Theory of Change documents initiated at the conclusion of the first year. This reflective exercise involved a deeper evaluation of the underlying assumptions, the key enablers, and the resources required to realise each school’s final goal. Through this process, schools refined their strategic thinking and clarified the pathways necessary to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact.

The morning concluded with a Creativity Story Exchange, beginning with insightful presentations from Greenhaugh Primary School and Hotspur Primary School, who shared their respective journeys to date. It was both encouraging and inspiring to learn about the positive influence that creative approaches are having on pupils and staff alike, and how these initiatives are being thoughtfully adapted to meet the unique needs and priorities of each school community.

Following these reflections, each participating school was invited to articulate the contributions they could offer to the wider network, as well as to identify the forms of support that would most effectively enable their continued growth and success.

Philosophy for Children (P4C)with Anne de A’Echevarria

Anne de A’Echevarria led the afternoon session focused on Philosophy for Children. Anne is a creative learning consultant and award-winning author with a teaching career spanning primary, secondary and tertiary education. Anne has worked with many teams from nursery schools to nursing schools, clown doctors to museums educators, businesses and the BBC – any group interested in exploring how best to develop a culture of enquiry, inclusivity and creative learning within their organisation.

Anne’s session provoked deep-thinking and in-depth conversations focused on practical ways of designing and delivering lessons for children that embed creative and critical thinking across the curriculum. She explored ways to equip children to engage in difficult conversations in a way that bridges division and seeks mutual understanding.