With not long to go until students return for the Summer term, the latest episode of Footsteps offers reflection, reassurance and practical support for families.
Bringing together voices from across the organisation, the Easter episode reflects on the Spring term and offers guidance as the Easter break enters its final week.
Host and Communications Officer Nick Ransom is joined by Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly, Kershaw Wood Manchester Head of School Mike Smith, and newly appointed Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd.
Catherine reflects on her first term in post, speaking about the importance of spending time in schools and reconnecting with what motivates both staff and pupils.
Describing a recent visit, she explains that she had planned to stay briefly, citing a busy to-do list, but “ended up staying three hours”.
“I was scootering, we were searching for monsters,” she says. “It just reminded me why I do this job.”
She also reassures parents ahead of the return to school, encouraging kindness and realistic expectations during the holidays.
Catherine says that sometimes it is okay to say, “let’s just stay in our pyjamas and watch videos all day and eat junk food,” adding, “that’s okay because it’s needed.”
The episode also visits Kershaw Wood Manchester, where Head of School Mike Smith reflects on a strong first full term for students, many of whom had previously struggled to access education.
Mike highlights respect as a key measure of progress, explaining that seeing students use “please” and “thank you” and develop their communication skills has been a significant achievement.
Listeners are also introduced to Dylan the tortoise, who has joined the school to support emotional regulation and wellbeing and has already had a positive impact on students.
Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd returns to the podcast to share more of her personal journey, including being diagnosed as autistic later in life and supporting families across Tameside.
She reflects on the pressures parents face, the importance of sensory‑aware environments and the need to keep children’s voices central as national reforms to specialist education continue.
“In all of this fight, there are children,” Andrea says. “We just want our children educated.”
With families preparing for the transition back to school, she also encourages parents to reduce pressure and focus on what works for their own household.
“Don’t follow society,” she says. “Whatever works for your family, just do you.”
Footsteps is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and our website, and can also be read as a full transcript.