Explore the latest First Steps Together news with key updates, achievements and more. Our news 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Discover our specialist secondary school for autistic learners aged 11-14, set within a warm and supportive Derbyshire community. Kershaw Wood Glossop The key details Address: Talbot Street, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 7DG Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Headteacher: Michael Shaw Deputy Head of School: Michelle Hill Designated Safeguarding Lead: Erica Burgess Key Stages offered: Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 Our school Kershaw Wood Glossop is a small, nurturing specialist school set in the heart of the Glossop community in Derbyshire. We support children aged 5-11 (Key Stages 1 and 2) with additional needs, offering a highly personalised approach where every child is known, valued, and understood. Our small school environment allows strong, trusting relationships to flourish between staff and pupils. This enables us to tailor learning precisely to each child, building confidence, communication skills, emotional regulation and independence at a pace that works for them. With a strong focus on communication, conflict resolution, culture and conservation, learning at Kershaw Wood extends far beyond the classroom. We educate up to 36 pupils, ensuring small classes, calm routines and consistent adult support. Our purpose designed setting includes over nine teaching rooms, a large open plan communal space, a forest school area, and a spacious playground, giving children a balance of structure, movement and outdoor learning. Our curriculum is broad, practical and engaging. Pupils benefit from weekly swimming lessons, regular forest school sessions, hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore the local community. Learning is adapted to meet individual needs while still offering challenge, aspiration and joy. At Kershaw Wood Glossop, wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do. Staff are highly skilled in supporting behaviour, emotional needs and regulation, and pride themselves on the positive, respectful relationships they build with each child. Our pupils feel safe, supported and encouraged to be themselves and this is where real progress happens. Kershaw Wood is more than a school. It is a caring community where children grow in confidence, develop life skills, and are supported to thrive both academically and socially. Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are Kershaw Wood Glossop 's policies, overseen by First Steps Together. ACCESSIBILITY POLICY ADMISSIONS POLICY ANTI-BULLYING POLICY ATTENDANCE POLICY CAREERS AND WORK RELATED LEARNING POLICY COMPLAINTS POLICY CURRICULUM POLICY (KS1 AND KS2) EAL POLICY EXCLUSION POLICY FIRST AID POLICY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY MOBILE PHONE POLICY ONLINE SAFETY POLICY PHYSICAL INTERVENTION POLICY RELATIONAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY REMOTE EDUCATION POLICY SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY (KW GLOSSOP) SEND POLICY SMSC POLICY

Learn about our farm opening in summer 2026. Farm We’re incredibly excited to share that we are in the early stages of developing a brand new farm project opening in Hyde in summer 2026! The team are hugely excited about this exciting step forward and we can't wait to bring you along for the ride... maybe on a tractor? As we begin shaping the plans, we’d love your help choosing the name. We’re running a community poll and your vote will help decide what our new farm will be called! This project will create amazing, enriching opportunities for our students, while also becoming a welcoming space for our wider community. A key focus of the farm will be inclusion, especially for those with additional needs. We will work hard to ensure the environment and activities are accessible, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. This is just the beginning, and over 2026, we’ll be sharing more of our ideas, plans and opportunities for you to get involved in shaping the farm. First name* Last name* Which name gets your vote?* Growing Together Farm Little Roots Farm Green Shoots Farm Root and Rise Farm Seedling Meadow Farm Bright Roots Farm If you would like, write any observations, thoughts or ideas regarding the farm. SUBMIT

Learn more about our school for autistic students aged 14-16 situated by the River Tame in Stalybridge. Tame Bank The key details Address: 11 Melbourne Street, Stalybridge, SK15 2JE Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Executive Headteacher: Monica Leontescu Head of School: Matthew Lawton Assistant Headteacher: Neal Colpitts Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jennifer Dodd Key Stages offered: Key Stage 4 Our school Situated next to the River Tame in the heart of Stalybridge, Tame Bank is our specialist secondary school for autistic leaners offering full-time education for 25 students aged 14-16 (Key Stage 4) who are going into their final school years. Tame Bank offers a modern and vibrant school equipped with modern technology, resources and carefully designed classrooms to support autistic students. The school welcomes students who are looking for a broad and balanced offer of education including functional skills and GCSE options. All students in Key Stage 4 will have access to supported work placements, qualifications and next step support into Post 16 with bespoke support from our dedicated team of specialist education professionals. Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are Tame Bank 's policies, overseen by First Steps Together. ACCESSIBILITY POLICY ADMISSIONS POLICY ANTI-BULLYING POLICY ATTENDANCE POLICY CAREERS AND WORK RELATED LEARNING POLICY COMPLAINTS POLICY CURRICULUM POLICY (KS4) EAL POLICY EXCLUSION POLICY FIRST AID POLICY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY MOBILE PHONE POLICY ONLINE SAFETY POLICY PHYSICAL INTERVENTION POLICY RELATIONAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY REMOTE EDUCATION POLICY SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY (TAME BANK) SEND POLICY SMSC POLICY

Contact Footsteps, our First Steps Together podcast. A bitesize recap of the last month, we explore life in our schools across the North West. Contact the podcast Tell us your ideas or questions by filling in the form below. First name* Last name* Name of student/s* If you do not have a student at one of our schools, please provide your occupation or wider context. School Kershaw Wood Manchester Kershaw Wood Glossop Peak Forest Stansfield House Tame Bank The Watkin Please write your question or submit your content ideas below.* SUBMIT

Explore our extra-curricular offer and read our personal development and wellbeing overviews supporting every learner’s growth. Personal development At First Steps Together, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through our ACTIVE values, we are committed to providing a rich and varied extracurricular offer that enables students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships. From sports teams and arts programmes to academic clubs and community service initiatives, we provide a diverse range of opportunities designed to nurture every learner’s strengths. These activities support the development of leadership and teamwork, promote personal growth, and help students become confident, well‑rounded individuals prepared for life in Modern Britain. Participation in extracurricular activities enhances academic progress, boosts self‑esteem, and equips our students with the skills they need for future success. We actively encourage all students to get involved and make the most of the enriching experiences our programmes provide. Personal development and wellbeing overviews Admissions Policy KS1 AND KS2 Admissions Policy KS3 AND KS4

< 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

Learn how to make a complaint to First Steps Together, where our team are committed to listening and resolving issues promptly. Complaints First Steps Together aims to resolve all complaints at the earliest possible stage and is dedicated to ensuring all complaints are managed sympathetically and efficiently. Any complaint or concern will be taken seriously, whether formally or informally, and the appropriate procedures will be implemented. This policy has been created to deal with any complaint against a member of staff, or the school as a whole, relating to any aspects of the school or the provision of facilities or services. All concerns should be reported direct to the headteacher of the school. Concerns regarding the headteacher should be reported to the Chair of the governing body via chair@firststepstogether.uk . A complaint may be made in person, by telephone or in writing. A written record will be kept of all concerns and the date on which they were received. A concern provided in writing will be acknowledged by telephone or in writing within two days of receipt during term time and as soon as practicable during school holidays. Please contact us using our contact us page or by using our footer below.

< All news Colour and costumes fill classrooms on World Book Day 5 Mar 2026 World Book Day brought a wave of imagination across our schools with students embracing stories, characters and creativity. A massive well done goes to all our learners for the creativity that danced, skipped and zoomed through our classrooms. Handmade designs, vibrant face paint and clever props brought light and energy across our sites, with every idea adding something truly special to the day. One standout moment was our bee‑yond amazing bee Bluebell at Kershaw Wood, Glossop, dressed in bright wings and bold stripes. Another favourite was Eddie's brilliantly made book costume, complete with a painted globe and World Book Day lettering, a book you could say came with real character! Many staff joined in too, with virtual meetings kicking off with plenty of curiosity and costume‑spotting. One our classes headed out on a very special trip to the book shop. Using their World Book Day vouchers, students browsed the shelves and chose a book of their own to take home, a real highlight and fantastic way to celebrate the love of storytelling. First held in the UK in 1998, World Book Day has become a special moment in the calendar with schools up and down the land welcoming a range of personalised outfits. We know that many of our young people (and families!) put in plenty of time and effort to prepare such intricate costumes, so a huge thank you and congratulations for helping make the day so memorable. Previous Next

< 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 Parents' Evening reminder issued ahead of next week 19 Jan 2026 Our executive team are reminding parents of Parents' Evening which is taking place across our school sites throughout next week. The Watkin will host its session on Monday, 26 January, followed by Peak Forest and Kershaw Glossop on Tuesday, 27 January. Tame Bank is scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January, with Stansfield House concluding the week’s events on Thursday, 29 January. All Parents’ Evening sessions will run from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, with last entry at 5.45pm across all sites. The events are intended to give families the opportunity to meet teaching staff, tour the school facilities and discuss the progress pupils have made throughout the year. Addresses for our schools can be found on our school pages . In case of any further questions, please visit the contact us page for our details. Previous Next

< All news Anderson shelters built as part of World War II module 18 Mar 2026 Students at Kershaw Wood in Glossop have constructed their very own Anderson shelters while learning about Britain during the Second World War. Ostrich Class physically recreated the iconic metal shelters used by families across Britain to stay safe during air raids. Reflecting our commitment to immersive, hands‑on learning, the activity formed part of our Key Stage 2 History curriculum. Teacher Miss Winter said: "This project has taken place over the past few weeks, with students editing and perfecting their designs as they go along." Pupils also explored the Home Front, focusing on the experiences of people in Britain during the war, and examined Britain’s wider role in the conflict that saw around 50 to 60 million people lose their lives. For the task, students studied real-life Anderson shelters before discussing the materials used and why they were important. This helped our learners think carefully about how to build their own models and how to make them as accurate as possible. Using a mixture of cardboard, glue and grass, the class cut out their Anderson shelter designs, shaped the doorway and refined the overall look. The shelters were named after John Anderson, the government minister who oversaw the production of around 1.5 million air‑raid shelters and who later became Home Secretary at the start of the Second World War. Miss Winter concluded: "The end results have been fantastic. The class worked very hard and had so much fun with this project." Previous Next