RISE Universal Offer: Free Primary English Conferences Delivered by Experts

Schools across the region are invited to take advantage of the Free RISE Universal Offer,  a series of high-quality Primary English conferences designed to raise standards in Reading, Writing and Literacy in EYFS.

Funded by the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme, this offer provides evidence-informed professional development for primary practitioners, with a strong emphasis on whole-school improvement and practical classroom application.

Delivered by experienced specialists through Manor Teaching School Hub, each conference combines research, strategy and live observation of effective practice to support sustained impact across schools.

What is RISE?

RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) is a Department for Education–funded initiative that supports schools to improve outcomes by strengthening teaching, leadership and curriculum design. The Universal Offer ensures that high-quality professional learning is accessible to all schools, at no cost, focusing on areas with the greatest potential to accelerate pupil progress.

What Is Being Offered?

The RISE Universal Offer consists of three strands of Primary English conferences, each repeated across multiple dates so schools can select a session that best fits their needs.

Raising Standards in Reading (KS1 & KS2)

These sessions focus on a whole-school approach to reading and how schools can accelerate progress through evidence-informed practice. Content includes:

• Applying EEF guidance to drive reading improvement

• Developing fluency and comprehension to deepen understanding

• Vocabulary and language development, with strategies to close the word gap

• Leadership tools for reviewing reading and embedding it into school improvement planning

• Live observation of effective reading practice

  
  

Raising Standards in Writing (KS1 & KS2)

This strand supports schools to build a coherent and progressive writing curriculum that accelerates progress across key stages. Sessions explore:

• Evidence-informed writing practice, applying research to improve outcomes

• Writing for purpose and audience, creating authentic and engaging experiences

• Developing strong transcription

• Grammar and sentence construction, embedded meaningfully into writing

• Effective teaching of the planning, drafting and editing process

• Leadership and whole-school strategy for writing

• Live observation of strong classroom practice

  
  

Raising Standards in Literacy in EYFS

From First Words to Fluent Futures

Designed specifically for Early Years practitioners, this strand focuses on accelerating literacy development from the very start. Content includes:

• Live observations of effective practice in strong EYFS settings

• Reading and writing development through a six-term developmental continuum

• Strategies for accelerating oral language and vocabulary

• Developing strong transcription skills in early learners

  
  

Practical, Evidence-Informed and Impact-Focused

Across all three strands, the conferences place a strong emphasis on:

• Translating research into practical classroom strategies

• Supporting leadership decision-making

• Observing high-impact teaching in action

• Building approaches that are sustainable at whole-school level

All sessions take place at Manor Teaching School Hub, Ettingshall Road, Coseley, WV14 9UQ and are completely free as part of the RISE Universal Offer.

Book Your Place

Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools are encouraged to attend and make full use of this funded opportunity to strengthen literacy outcomes for all pupils.

For more information about the RISE programme and the Universal Offer, please refer to the DfE guidance linked on the flyer. 

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