< 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 SEND Coffee Mornings to resume 27 January 16 Jan 2026 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. The gatherings aim to offer families a warm, supportive space to connect, share experiences, and speak directly with staff and our SEND Coordinator about the support available for children with additional needs. The first Coffee Morning of the year will be held at Stansfield House on 27 January, providing the opening opportunity for families to come together for conversation and guidance. Just a few days later, the community will be welcomed again at The Watkin on 30 January, continuing the momentum and ensuring parents have multiple chances to attend. As the calendar turns to February, the series moves to Tame Bank on 3 February, followed closely by a session at Kershaw Wood in Glossop on 4 February. The final event in this early‑year run will take place at Kershaw Wood Manchester in Northenden on 6 February, rounding off a fortnight of warm drinks, shared stories and practical support. Each Coffee Morning begins at 9am, offering a relaxed start to the day where you can: Enjoy a hot drink and friendly conversation Meet other parents and carers on similar journeys Explore helpful resources and strategies Speak with staff and SEND Coordinator for personalised guidance These events form an important part of our commitment to building a strong, supportive community around our SEND families. All parents and carers are welcome to attend any of the sessions, regardless of their usual site. Previous Next

< All news Attendance prizes announced for Spring Term 20 Jan 2026 The exciting prizes for the next two half‑term attendance draws have been confirmed by our Senior Head of School Ms Cooper. Students who achieve 100% attendance from January to February will be entered into a draw to win an iPad. For the following half term, February to March, the prize will be a bike. Ms Cooper said: "We know that every student’s journey is different and we want to recognise the effort it takes to be in school every day." She added: "These prizes are a way of celebrating their commitment and encouraging routines that help our young people feel secure and supported.” Previous attendance prizes have included items such as a Meta Quest 2. To be included in the draw, students must attend school every day during the relevant half term. Previous Next

< All news Students educated on dangers of open water swimming 8 Jun 2026 Students at The Watkin have been visited by Jane McCormick, an open water swimmer, to discuss the dangers of swimming in deep water. In recent years, there have been multiple deaths due to the adverse effects of cold or deep water. Students were taught about cold water shock and the risk of drowning in open water, with examples including lakes, reservoirs and the sea. Head of School at The Watkin Chantelle Bowker said: "These talks are always a great opportunity for students to meet and learn from new people, while also helping them to understand the risks in the wider world." "We're grateful to Jane for taking the time to come down", she added. Whilst hot weather has subsided for now, coming months could present a need to cool off and families are reminded to exercise caution for their own safety. Jim Bridge, a former firefighter, now works for the Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership. Talking to the BBC , he urged people to head to swimming baths rather than risk safety. He said: "I don't think people understand the danger. They see a nice beautiful stretch of open water and they think it's going to be warm like a swimming pool but it's not." Despite temperatures often reaching 30 °C in the UK, bodies of water can remain very cold even during heatwaves. In the event of a water emergency, families and students should call the fire service immediately, as they are best trained to carry out a rescue. They should then encourage the person in difficulty to float on their back, reassure them that help is on the way and keep them in sight for emergency services. If possible, use a nearby floating object to assist from a safe distance. Do not enter the water, and, when helping someone out, stay low or lie down to avoid being pulled in yourself. For more information, families can visit this government safety information on water safety . Previous Next

< All news Experienced Andrea Lloyd joins as Chair of Governors 12 Feb 2026 Local community champion Andrea Lloyd has joined First Steps Together to support as Chair of Governors and oversee the board. Autistic and living with ADHD, Andrea is a parent of a neurodivergent child with an EHCP. She has extensive experience navigating the specialist education system, including multi‑agency reviews, appeals, and securing appropriate provision. She is the founder of Denton Autism ADHD Family Support (DAAFS), a community organisation that supports neurodivergent families through a whole‑family approach, ensuring parents and carers receive guidance and connection alongside their children. Andrea also serves as Chair of Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum, where she gathers and presents the experiences of parents and carers to the Local Authority, the NHS Integrated Care Board and the Department for Education. This work ensures that family perspectives inform service planning and policy development. Andrea says: “When First Steps Together approached me about taking on this role, it was clear that they genuinely want to be the best they can be for young people and families. That matters to me.” “I want to support that vision by being a strong, confident Chair, someone who is not afraid to challenge when needed, but who is always focused on finding solutions and building positive, lasting change.” Chief Executive Officer Matthew Higham said of Andrea’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrea as our new Chair of Governors.” He continued: “Andrea brings valuable lived experience and extensive expertise in specialist education, and her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our collaboration with school teams to ensure every student receives exceptional support, care and opportunity.” 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

< 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

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 8 Jun 2026 Students educated on dangers of open water swimming 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

Learn about the difference you could make by exploring a career within our schools, where every role helps transform young lives. Jobs We have open positions We’re always on the lookout for passionate, talented people to join our group. This page will only show roles related to First Steps Together Education. For jobs in other parts of our organisation... GROUP JOBS CARE JOBS This list was last updated on 23 October 2026 at 1:50pm. School-based roles in Manchester Our Manchester schools The Watkin (KS3 and KS4) Kershaw Wood Manchester (KS1 and KS2) SEND Assistant Location: Kershaw Wood Manchester (M22 4NG) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:00, Term Time plus Staff Training Days Actual Salary: Teacher Pay Scale - M1 to M6 Closing Date: 09/11/2026 Job Description and Person Specification English Teacher Location: The Watkin (M23 9TT) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:00, Term Time plus Staff Training Days Actual Salary: Teacher Pay Scale - M1 to M6 Closing Date: 09/11/2026 Job Description and Person Specification SEND Sensory Teacher Location: Kershaw Wood Manchester (M22 4NG) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:00, Term Time plus Staff Training Days Actual Salary: Teacher Pay Scale - M1 to M6 Closing Date: 22/10/2026 Job Description and Person Specification Teaching Assistant Level 3 (Complex Needs) Location: Kershaw Wood Manchester (M22 4NG) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:00, Term Time plus Staff Training Days Actual Salary: £23,800 Closing Date: 02/11/2026 Job Description and Person Specification Behaviour Support Mentor Location: Kershaw Wood Manchester (M22 4NG) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:00, Term Time plus Staff Training Days Actual Salary: £23,600 Closing Date: 01/11/2026 Job Description and Person Specification Attendance Officer Location: The Watkin (M23 9TT) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:00, Term Time plus Staff Training Days Actual Salary: £24,800 Closing Date: 02/11/2026 Job Description and Person Specification To apply for a role at First Steps Together, please download the application form . Please submit completed application forms to recruitment@fstmanagement.uk School-based roles in Tameside Our Tameside schools Kershaw Wood Glossop (KS1 and KS2) Peak Forest (KS3) Tame Bank (KS4) The Hub (KS4 Vocational) No school-based roles in Tameside are currently vacant. To apply for a role at First Steps Together, please download the application form . Please submit completed application forms to recruitment@fstmanagement.uk School-based roles in Huddersfield We're recruiting for Mount Havelock Our brand new school opening in January 2027 We have a number of roles available: Deputy Headteacher Behaviour Lead SEND Assistant English Teacher Maths Teacher Science Teacher Humanities Teacher Teaching Assistant Level 3 Teaching Assistant Level 2 For more information and to apply, please click the links above to visit the job role vacancy page. Applications must be made through TES for roles at this school. Education leadership and central team roles No roles in Education leadership and central team are currently vacant. To apply for a role at First Steps Together, please download the application form . Please submit completed application forms to recruitment@fstmanagement.uk

Find up‑to‑date term dates for all First Steps Together schools, including holidays and half‑terms. Term dates View the full First Steps Together 2026-27 term dates below or via our new printable-poster at the bottom of this page. INSET days, bank holidays and holiday periods are reflected throughout the calendar. If you need extra clarity or spot an inaccuracy, please get in touch via admin@firststepstogether.uk . Autumn term 1 Thursday 3 September - Friday 23 October Half term | Monday 26 October - Friday 30 October 2 Tuesday 3 November - Friday 18 December Spring term Tuesday 5 January - Friday 12 February 3 Half term | Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February 4 Monday 22 February - Thursday 25 March Summer term Tuesday 13 April - Friday 28 May 5 Half term | Monday 31 May - Friday 4 June 6 Monday 7 June - Wednesday 21 July Bank holiday (within term) | Monday 3 May A full calendar for the year ahead will be released in 2027. DOWNLOAD OUR 2026-27 TERM DATES PARENTS POSTER

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) ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL) POLICY EXCLUSION POLICY FIRST AID POLICY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY MOBILE PHONE POLICY ONLINE SAFETY POLICY PHYSICAL INTERVENTIONS POLICY PROPRIETARY BODY QUALITY ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK PROVIDER ACCESS STATEMENT PSHE AND RSE POLICY RELATIONAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY REMOTE EDUCATION POLICY SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY SEN POLICY SECONDARY CURRICULUM MAP SMSC POLICY

Meet our core education team who lead and direct First Steps Together with expertise and care. Team We're committed to ensuring our schools are led by passionate and skilled professionals who are dedicated to supporting children and young people. Each school has a team of teachers, support staff and specialists who work together to create safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environments. Our schools are also guided by a committed governing body. The governors play a vital role in providing strategic direction, ensuring accountability and helping us maintain the highest standards of education and care. Their oversight and support enable us to continually improve and deliver the best outcomes for our learners. On this page, you’ll find information about the staff who look after all our schools, as well as the governors who help shape our vision and values. Our education leadership team Monica Leontescu Executive Headteacher Monica is an experienced Executive Headteacher. She upholds high expectations across our schools, while embracing every child's personality. Neil Smith Executive Headteacher Neil has worked in education for over 20 years across specialist and mainstream provision. He empowers and supports Heads of School to deliver the best outcomes for our students. Aimee Hallett Head of Curriculum Aimee is an experienced teacher and leader within SEMH settings across Key Stages 1 to 5. She oversees the design and delivery of a high quality, engaging curriculum. Natalie Ogden Director of Growth, Quality and Strategic Development Natalie stepped up to this role in 2026. With knowledge of all of our students, she advises on processes while also working across the First Steps Together Group. Tayyaba Ahmed Director of Education Tayyaba is an experienced leader across specialist education and has a strong track record of school improvement. She strategically manages our primary and secondary sites. Robyn Dee Head of Inclusion Robyn is a seasoned education specialist with experience across alternative provision, pupil referral units and beyond. She helps to ensure no student is left behind at First Steps Together.