Who is this template for?
This template is designed specifically for senior leaders in Multi-Academy Trusts in England, including MAT CEOs, members of the MAT Central Team, and Trustees. It provides a high-level framework for evaluating the trust's strategic approach to early years development.
Why use this template?
This template helps trust leaders translate a major national policy into a clear, actionable, and evidence-based improvement strategy.
- Save valuable leadership time by using a pre-configured template that structures your entire review, removing the need to start from a blank page.
- Ensure full alignment with the DfE’s ‘Giving every child the best start in life’ policy, ensuring your trust’s strategy addresses all key government priorities.
- Break down a complex national strategy into eight manageable areas for evaluation, from family integration to workforce development and curriculum quality.
- Identify strategic strengths and barriers across your trust by analysing the 'helping' and 'hindering' factors that impact your early years provision.
- Build a robust evidence base to support strategic planning, decision-making, and discussions at the board level.
- Drive a consistent approach across your trust, ensuring all academies and central initiatives are working towards the same ambitious 2028 targets for child development.
How does it work?
This template follows the simple, logical iAbacus process: you make a judgement on performance, verify it against clear criteria, provide supporting evidence, analyse the 'helping' and 'hindering' factors, and build a targeted action plan for success.
The template is structured around the eight key areas of the DfE's strategy:
- Area 1: Family & Community Integration
- Area 2: Health & Wellbeing Integration
- Area 3: Strategic Partnership & Data Sharing
- Area 4: Availability & Affordability of Places
- Area 5: Early Years SEND & Inclusion
- Area 6: Workforce Development & Quality
- Area 7: Curriculum & Targeted Intervention (EYFS)
- Area 8: Reception Transition & Quality
Clear, Professional Reporting
This evaluation provides the perfect foundation for high-level strategic discussions. With a single click, you can export all your judgements, evidence, and analysis into a polished, visually compelling PDF report, ready to be shared with Governors and Trustees for a board meeting. This ensures your strategic planning is transparent, evidence-rich, and clearly communicated.
References / Source Material
How to Get Started
New to iAbacus? Discover how this template can support your improvement strategy. Book a personalised demo or start a free trial to explore the full platform. Visit www.iAbacus.com to learn more.
Already a subscriber? You can find this template in the template library within your iAbacus account. Simply log in, create a new abacus, and select it from the list to get started.
