Children playing in the playground at Exning Primary School

Primary

Exning Primary School

Ofsted Outstanding

‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

Exning Primary School became part of the Eastern Education Group family in September 2024. 

Led by headteacher James Clark, Exning Primary provides a creative, skills-based curriculum which focuses on helping children to become motivated, independent individuals that can steer their own learning.

Rooted in a culture of shared values, Exning Primary emphasises the importance of kindness, co-operation and inclusivity, while weaving three key drivers into its curriculum: 

  • Enterprise – the ability to take risks, show initiative and undertake new ventures and think creatively.
  • Emotional intelligence – in understanding ourselves and others.
  • Music and the arts – expressing ourselves through different media.

Skills Escalator Days

Primary education is a formative experience in any child’s life; helping children to develop essential skills and prepare them for the years ahead, both in education and the world of work.

With this in mind, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind programme for primary school children known as Skills Escalator Days.

Serving primary schools across the Eastern region, our Skills Escalator Days give children an insight into the world of work by engaging them in interactive sessions run by professionals from a variety of industries such as BT, UK Power Networks, Suffolk Constabulary, the NHS, the Royal Air Force, and many more.

The effect of career-related activities on the aspirations and attitudes of primary aged children is incredibly impactful, which is why we feel so passionately about the work we do. 

The Skills Escalator is about facilitating all sectors; education, local government, and industry, to drive the enrichment that engages young minds and helps to develop future workforces that support our local economy.

Many people question the idea of talking to children about the world of work at such a young age but research clearly shows that, by eight years old, children have already formed incredibly strong opinions about their own capabilities based on their gender, ethnicity, and socio-demographic background.

Skills Escalator Days are intended to challenge these stereotypes and inspire young minds to live without limits, especially when it comes to thinking about their careers and futures.

The Skills Escalator Days have been enjoyed by over 4,000 children so far and are now a valued and regular part of the Year 2 primary calendar across the region. Working with over 40 different public and private sector partners, we currently deliver Skills Escalator Days across Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Chatteris, Sudbury, Thetford, Mildenhall and Newmarket, with further areas set to be added as demand continues to grow.

Ways to get involved

For industry

As an employer, you will be aware of the ongoing staffing needs of your sector, which will be central to your vision for development and strategic planning.

Taking part in a Skills Escalator Day not only allows you to ignite the interest of your future staffing pool, but it also opens conversations within families and social groups, and may even help you to find your next new employee.

Run an activity: engage with your future workforce and enrich children’s career-related learning first-hand. We work with you to create a simple and engaging activity for your organisation to run at the Skills Escalator Day.

Host a session: offer to host a Skills Escalator Day if you have the space and infrastructure on your premises.

Become a sponsor: sponsorship opportunities range from providing sustainable cotton bags or high-vis vests for children, to funding the transport needed for schools to attend the Skills Escalator Day.

For primary schools

If you’re interested in arranging a Skills Escalator Day for your primary students, or you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, please email the Group Head of the Skills Escalator at victoria.fiebelkorn@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk