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Explore the latest First Steps Together news with key updates, achievements and more. Our news 22 Jun 2026 Half-days for three days this week due to hot weather Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly has confirmed schools will close at 12.30pm from 23-25 June to ensure student and staff wellbeing and safety. Read more 8 Jun 2026 Students educated on dangers of open water swimming Students at The Watkin have been visited by Jane McCormick, an open water swimmer, to discuss the dangers of swimming in deep water. Read more 3 Jun 2026 Double INSET Day kicks off 2026 autumn term in September Term dates for the 2026/27 academic year are now confirmed with students returning from the summer break on Thursday 3 September. Read more 29 May 2026 More open days set for The Watkin to showcase provision More open days have been announced at The Watkin to help families of prospective and confirmed students learn more about our largest school. Read more 18 May 2026 Senior politician answers questions at Tame Bank Labour Chief Whip and local MP, Jonathan Reynolds, has described questions he took from Tame Bank students as “as hard as any PMQs session.” Read more 15 May 2026 Sensory pod installed at The Watkin aiding regulation A new state-of-the-art sensory pod installed in The Watkin, the largest of our six schools, is proving to be a hit with students. Read more 5 May 2026 Parents encouraged to use EfL app to support learning Parents and carers are being encouraged to download the EfL app to engage more closely with their child’s learning and progress through regular shared updates. Read more 24 Apr 2026 Students help greenhouse glisten at Peak Forest Teamwork triumphed at Peak Forest as students and staff came together to build a new greenhouse, supporting curriculum learning, wellbeing and the school kitchen. Read more 21 Apr 2026 £50 ASDA voucher up for grabs with parent survey Our parental survey is now live, inviting families to share experiences and priorities to help shape support, with entrants included in a raffle for a £50 ASDA gift card. Read more 8 Apr 2026 Easter holiday tips form basis of latest Footsteps podcast 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. Read more 26 Mar 2026 Tortoise touches down at Kershaw Wood Manchester Kershaw Wood Manchester is now home to tortoise Dylan, after a special delivery from First Steps Together CEO Matt Higham on Thursday lunchtime. Read more 23 Mar 2026 Transition day to help new Watkin students 'feel at home' Students joining us in Year 7 this September will be welcomed with open arms on Saturday, as The Watkin hosts a dedicated Transition Open Day. Read more 18 Mar 2026 Anderson shelters built as part of World War II module Students at Kershaw Wood in Glossop have constructed their very own Anderson shelters while learning about Britain during the Second World War. Read more 6 Mar 2026 Podcast on EHC plans aims to ease stress for parents The latest episode of Footsteps sets out to ease “nightmares and confusion” many families face when navigating Education, Health and Care plans. Read more 5 Mar 2026 Colour and costumes fill classrooms on World Book Day World Book Day brought a wave of imagination across our schools with students embracing stories, characters and creativity. Read more 26 Feb 2026 First Steps Together debunk EHC Plans with new FAQs page First Steps Together has launched an easy‑to‑read frequently asked questions guide to help families understand the often stressful world of EHC Plans. Read more 20 Feb 2026 Wave of fresh recruits thrive during half‑term training Despite learners being off for a week, our teaching staff have made the most of the half‑term, with many of our new recruits undertaking valuable training. Read more 13 Feb 2026 Peak Forest's Issac wins first attendance award of 2026 Issac from Peak Forest has won this half-term’s attendance award, securing an iPad for maintaining 100% attendance since the start of 2026. Read more 12 Feb 2026 Experienced Andrea Lloyd joins as Chair of Governors Local community champion Andrea Lloyd has joined First Steps Together to support as Chair of Governors and oversee the board. Read more 9 Feb 2026 The Watkin to host next recruitment Open Day On 28 February, we are again opening our doors to highlight our vacancies with this latest event being held near Wythenshawe Hospital. Read more 6 Feb 2026 First step into podcasting with Footsteps launch We're thrilled to launch a new monthly podcast Footsteps, offering listeners an inside look at our specialist work for young people. Read more 2 Feb 2026 Inclusive Attendance launches across our schools We are delighted to share that Stage 1 of the Inclusive Attendance Programme has now launched across all of our six schools across the North West. Read more 28 Jan 2026 Mental Health Leads introduced across our schools To strengthen wellbeing across our schools, we have introduced Mental Health Leads offering support for staff and students. Read more 26 Jan 2026 Recruitment open day to offer face-to-face interviews Amid a new month, we are opening our office doors in Denton to highlight what could be your new role working in specialist education. Read more 21 Jan 2026 First Steps Together to start specialist education podcast We are excited to launch a new specialist education podcast in early February, sharing the people, experiences and stories that shape our schools. Read more 20 Jan 2026 Attendance prizes announced for Spring Term The exciting prizes for the next two half‑term attendance draws have been confirmed by our Senior Head of School Ms Cooper. Read more 19 Jan 2026 Parents' Evening reminder issued ahead of next week Our executive team are reminding parents of Parents' Evening which is taking place across our school sites throughout next week. Read more 16 Jan 2026 SEND Coffee Mornings to resume 27 January We're excited to invite parents and carers to our new series of SEND Coffee Mornings taking place across several of our settings over the coming weeks. Read more 8 Jan 2026 Student letters inspire new outdoor area at Tame Bank Crafted letters from our enthusiastic students to the Head of School at Tame Bank has led to the creation of a brand‑new outdoor area. Read more 6 Jan 2026 Schools welcome back students after Christmas Across the North West, students have returned to our six schools after Christmas with our expert staff on hand to support amid a new routine. Read more

< All news Sensory pod installed at The Watkin aiding regulation 15 May 2026 A new state-of-the-art sensory pod installed in The Watkin, the largest of our six schools, is proving to be a hit with students. Designed by Dublin-based healthcare equipment provider Murrays , their sensory team visited our Wythenshawe site last month to install the vibrant, futuristic aid. With the ability to host both learning and entertainment on its connected screen, the six foot tall pod can also cater for relaxation, allowing for some shut eye if experiencing burnout. Murrays say the presence of a pod in a school is "proven to reduce the frequency and severity of disruptions when a student experience sensory overload." Chantelle Bowker, Head of School, confirmed "the space has had a significantly positive impact on student regulation. Safe and calming, it's really supporting the individual needs of our students." A student told us "the sensory pod is amazing, it feels like a spaceship! It's comfortable, calming and helps me feel relaxed." Plans are in place to enhance The Watkin sensory room further, ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. With the pod's adaptable design and flexible applications, we’re excited about the future possibilities this technology offers. Previous Next

< All news Recruitment open day to offer face-to-face interviews 26 Jan 2026 Amid a new month, we are opening our office doors in Denton to highlight what could be your new role working in specialist education. A dedicated recruitment day will take place this Saturday, 31 January, at Crossgate House on Irwin Street, offering visitors the chance to discover a wide range of opportunities across the organisation. It will showcase the breadth of opportunities available and the meaningful impact each role has on the lives of young people. The event takes place between 10am and 3pm is open to anyone interested in joining the team, with no appointment required. Attendees will meet staff, learn about the roles available across First Steps Together’s schools, and gain an insight into the work the organisation does to support young people with additional needs. Emma Burgess, Head of People Services, said: "We’re experiencing phenomenal growth across First Steps Together, and it’s creating some fantastic opportunities for people who want to work with young people." She continued: "Our Recruitment Open Day is a chance for people to find out more about the remarkable work we do, the teams behind it, and the difference people can make here. If supporting young people is what drives you, this is absolutely the place to be." Those ready to take the next step will also have the opportunity to take part in on-the-day interviews. The aim is to remove barriers and make the process as accessible as possible for people looking to start or continue a career in the sector. Prospective applicants are asked to complete a short application form in advance via recruitment@fstmanagement.uk , helping the recruitment team prepare for discussions on the day and ensuring a smooth experience for visitors. We also ask that anyone attending brings ID as part of our Safer Recruitment checks, to help safeguard and protect young people. Car parking spaces are limited but road parking is available nearby, making it easy for attendees to reach our offices. Previous Next

< All news Schools welcome back students after Christmas 6 Jan 2026 Across the North West, students have returned to our six schools after Christmas with our expert staff on hand to support amid a new routine. After the excitement and unpredictability a break can bring, our focus has been on helping every young person feel safe, calm and confident as they ease back into school life. For many children and young people with additional needs, returning can bring a mix of emotions. Fresh from an INSET Day, our staff are fully trained in understanding transitions, managing change and supporting emotional regulation. Throughout the day, they have been working closely with students to make the process as smooth as possible. This includes taking extra time to re‑establish familiar routines, offering reassurance where it’s needed, and creating quiet, predictable spaces to help everyone settle. Staff have been using strategies such as visual timetables, gentle reminders, sensory breaks, and structured conversations to support students in re‑engaging with their learning and social environments. Across all our schools, the first days back have showcased the resilience of our students and the dedication of our teams. Classrooms are once again filled with life! As the term continues, we remain committed to supporting every student through change, celebrating their progress and ensuring they feel understood, valued, and ready to thrive. Previous Next

< All news Double INSET Day kicks off 2026 autumn term in September 3 Jun 2026 Term dates for the 2026/27 academic year are now confirmed with students returning from the summer break on Thursday 3 September. Now detailed on our website and as a downloadable poster , the term dates are a must-have for parents, families and carers. Back-to-back INSET Days for staff at the start of September will ensure students receive a consistent and warm welcome for the new academic year on Thursday 3 September. Our dedicated term dates page now has all school dates up until September 2027, including bank holidays, half-terms, breaks and INSET Days. It means trips with family or friends can now be planned well in advance. Nick Ransom, Communications Officer at First Steps Together, said: "We've made it easier than ever to understand term dates for the new academic year." "Weekends are now included within holiday periods, so there’s no need for any additional calculations when planning ahead." Towards the end of 2026, students will be sent home feeling festive on 18 December with a full week to go until Christmas Day. An INSET Day will begin 2027 with students returning to classrooms on Tuesday 5 January. The 2026/27 academic year will conclude on Monday 19 July. It is anticipated that students will return for the 2027/28 academic year on Thursday 2 September 2027 following an INSET Day. Dates for September 2027 onwards will be confirmed in the first half of 2027. If parents require extra clarity or spot an inaccuracy, they are asked get in touch by emailing admin@firststepstogether.uk or n.ransom@fstmanagement.uk . Previous Next

< All news Half-days for three days this week due to hot weather 22 Jun 2026 Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly has confirmed schools will close at 12.30pm from 23-25 June to ensure student and staff wellbeing and safety. Temperatures are expected to rise above 30 °c across the UK this week, with some areas potentially hitting 40 °c. Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly said: "Following a risk assessment of our school environment, our schools will close early at 12.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week." She continued: "The wellbeing and safety of our students and staff remain our priority. Whilst we will continue to provide a safe learning environment during the morning, the forecast temperatures during the afternoon are expected to make conditions increasingly challenging." Students should attend school as normal each morning and are asked to: Bring a reusable water bottle Bring a hat/cap where possible Wear sunscreen, applied before arriving at school (and provided if reapplication is required) Wear loose, lightweight clothing where appropriate During the morning, staff will continue to support students through: Access to cooler areas of the school where possible Regular hydration breaks throughout the day Outdoor learning opportunities in shaded areas where appropriate Ongoing monitoring of students' wellbeing To ensure continuity of learning, activity packs will be sent home with students each day and access to online learning will be communicated. We will be contacting local authority transport services to request their support in facilitating the safe collection of students at 12.30pm on Tuesday 23 June, Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June. We would also ask parents and carers to make any necessary arrangements to support collection at this earlier time where required. Should circumstances change, or if there are any updates regarding transport arrangements, we will communicate directly with parents and carers as soon as possible. Our school teams wish to thank parents for their understanding and continued support as we work together to keep our students safe during this period of extreme weather. Previous Next

< All news Tortoise touches down at Kershaw Wood Manchester 26 Mar 2026 Kershaw Wood Manchester is now home to tortoise Dylan, after a special delivery from First Steps Together CEO Matt Higham on Thursday lunchtime. The arrival created a moment of quiet excitement as Matt entered the room and heralded the new era, with students slowly gathering around him. Tortoises have lived on Earth for more than 230 million years and are among some of the longest living land animals, with a life span of over 100 years. “Everybody be nice and quiet,” said Head of School Mike Smith, as the group edged in for a closer look. Matt encouraged everyone to explore the reptile at their own pace. “Do you want to touch it?” he asked, holding the delicate tortoise steady. One student examined the shell closely and asked, “What is that?” before receiving a personalised update about the newest student. “You can touch it when you’re ready!” Matt reassured warmly. The questions soon began to flow. “How fast can he go?” asked Oran , one of our News Ninjas . “Very very slow. He’ll never catch you!” Matt responded as the creature took its first tiny, deliberate steps across the table, almost in slow motion. “I love it,” said Mike, clearly pleased with the enthusiasm growing around the room and the potential opportunities. Attention soon shifted to naming the tortoise, and talk turned to what students could learn from caring for him. Ideas about feeding, observation, responsibility and looking after animals began to surface as part of the discussion. The tortoise was soon named Dylan by Oran, after a lively consultation with a friend. The rest of the class quickly agreed and Dylan was proudly added to the register. Head of School Mike Smith explained: “We got Dylan to support self‑regulation and help create a calmer, more nurturing environment here." "It also gives our learners another place to go when they are upset, hangry [hungry or angry] or finding it difficult to engage with a lesson.” On his first day at school, Dylan may have moved slowly, but his impact on the students was immediate. The first steps, together with the class watching on, have marked the beginning of new conversations, new learning potential and a new sense of curiosity. For now, students at Kershaw Wood Manchester have a new friend to get to know: Dylan. Previous Next

< All news Senior politician answers questions at Tame Bank 18 May 2026 Labour Chief Whip and local MP, Jonathan Reynolds, has described questions he took from Tame Bank students as “as hard as any PMQs session.” On social media , Reynolds thanked staff and students for a "warm welcome", comparing the questions posed to the weekly session in Parliament, where the Prime Minister responds to queries from MPs. As well as representing Stalybridge and Hyde as a Member of Parliament, Jonathan Reynolds is a significant voice in the current Labour government as Chief Whip. The role involves ensuring MPs, and peers in the House of Lords, attend and vote in line with party leadership. After a tour of the modern Tame Bank space led by teacher Mr Hughes, Reynolds was welcomed into the Orange Room where he enjoyed watching a spontaneous martial arts session. Reynolds then took questions from a number of students, with topics covering education, history, parliament and public services as well as artificial intelligence, among other subjects. Teacher Mr Hughes, who organised the visit, said "Jonathan could see how First Steps Together had transformed the Tame Bank building, giving it a friendly, welcoming, yet professional atmosphere". "The students really impressed Jonathan with their focused questions and enthusiasm and this was the highlight of the visit for me" he concluded. The MP added on Facebook that it was " great to call in", adding that First Steps Together are "doing great work supporting young people with a range of educational needs". Matthew Lawton, Head of School, said it was "fantastic" that "students engaged so confidently with Jonathan and asked such thoughtful questions." He explained that "experiences like this are invaluable in helping our young people grow in confidence and understand the wider world.” Tame Bank and First Steps Together continue to work closely with the local community, promoting student voice and providing valuable opportunities for learners to explore a wide range of career pathways. Previous Next

< All news More open days set for The Watkin to showcase provision 29 May 2026 More open days have been announced at The Watkin to help families of prospective and confirmed students learn more about our largest school. The site in Wythenshawe will open from 4pm to 6pm on Thursday 11 June, as well as Saturday 20 June from 10am to 1pm. Joining the school often marks a key moment in moving from primary to secondary education and the days offer visitors a chance to explore the school environment, meet the team and discover how students learn day-to-day. Whether you're looking for confidence in the environment or an opportunity to meet the team, the two days, set across the week, will provide just that. The 'pop in at any time' policy means attendees can turn up at a moment that suits within the opening times. With many young people requiring specialist education having experienced time out of education, the team can also discuss strategies to help with reintegration, in this instance at The Watkin. The dates are a perfect opportunity to liaise on, or learn about, adjustments, the curriculum, food arrangements and activities and events that take place. An array of questions about accessing specialist education are available on our EHC Plan page . In the meantime, or if open day availability still doesn't line up, questions on The Watkin or any aspect of the transition process can be submitted via email to admissions@firststepstogether.uk . More details about The Watkin, including the address, can be found here . Previous Next

< All news Peak Forest's Issac wins first attendance award of 2026 13 Feb 2026 Issac from Peak Forest has won this half-term’s attendance award, securing an iPad for maintaining 100% attendance since the start of 2026. Opting for a blue iPad, Issac collected his winning prize in a matching jumper on Friday morning, with Designated Safeguarding Lead Carrie Finn handing over the prize. Issac told the website he was "happy and excited" to clinch the award, with the tablet overseen by staff until the end of the school day. Our schools don’t just celebrate perfect attendance, we also recognise learners who make significant improvements. This year, rewards for improving attendance have included theme park vouchers, helping motivate and encourage students who are working hard to overcome barriers. So far this year for 100% attendance, we’ve offered prizes such as a game console and virtual reality headset, recognising the outstanding commitment throughout the term. In light of a new partnership with Inclusive Attendance, Matthew Higham, Chief Executive Officer, recently told our Footsteps parent podcast : "Attendance will always be one of our biggest priorities, but also there's a number of factors that contribute towards that and whilst the data informs us what the attendance is, it goes a lot deeper than that." As for low attendance, he added that it is the role of First Steps Together staff, as professionals, “to break that down” and identify what support can be put in place for each individual pupil. Group Strategic Lead Natalie Ogden expressed her understanding of the pressures families face. She said: "A hell of a lot of parents and carers, they do feel the pressure because we do have students that wake up in the morning and there’s good days and there's bad days. It's about us working alongside them." Natalie reflected: "At First Steps Together, one thing I'm most proud of is our pastoral support that we give to parents and carers." The organisation also continues to educate families on the importance of internet safety, with a dedicated page currently being developed for the website. Speaking to Footsteps, Head of Business Nick Ledger noted that “often parents are not as tech‑savvy as the children,” advising families to “cast an eye once in a while” to ensure the content being accessed is appropriate. Any parents with concerns or questions about attendance can get in touch via our contact us page. Previous Next

The home of First Steps Together, offering specialist education for children and young people with additional needs across the North West. For every journey, let's take first steps together At First Steps Together, we are committed to ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of our young people and staff. LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFEGUARDING Our latest news story 22 Jun 2026 Half-days for three days this week due to hot weather EHC PLANS EXPLAINED CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EHC PLANS Our recruitment team are working to hard to hire the best staff for our students. Click here to learn about the latest opportunities. Bring your difference

< All news Students help greenhouse glisten at Peak Forest 24 Apr 2026 Teamwork triumphed at Peak Forest as students and staff came together to build a new greenhouse, supporting curriculum learning, wellbeing and the school kitchen. Now glistening in the sunshine, the greenhouse at Peak Forest is already supporting learning across the site, helping students develop practical skills and a better understanding of the environment and food production. Nestled in the corner of the playground, the greenhouse is providing a calm, purposeful space that encourages mindfulness, regulation and discussion around the food chain. Student Issac explained that the aim is to “grow our own herbs and vegetables” to be used in catering lessons, while also supplying the school kitchen with “healthy food for our dinners”. The space is also having a positive impact on wellbeing, with Issac adding that the plants being grown will help make the school look “brighter”. Excitement about what’s to come continues to grow, with Ms Nolan and Mr Auty impressed by the impact the project has had and the sense of responsibility it has helped develop. Year 7 student Ellie discussed ideas with staff about growing flowers and vegetables for the local community, including the possibility of placing boxes outside the school for anyone in need. Both students agreed the experience was manageable and enjoyable, noting that the instructions made the activity easy to follow. The greenhouse continues the planting work previously introduced by Mrs Wint, ensuring the herbs planted during earlier sessions can continue to be cared for. Reflecting on the progress, Ms Nolan said: “We didn’t want the plants to go to waste, so we asked for a greenhouse so we can look after them and watch them grow." "It was great to watch the students working together as a team.” You can find out more about Peak Forest by clicking here . Previous Next