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Discover how First Steps Together promotes British values through democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, respect and cultural diversity in our schools. British values First Steps Together is dedicated to fostering a nurturing educational environment where British values are actively promoted and celebrated. In our schools, we recognise the significance of these values in shaping the character and understanding of young people. DEMOCRACY The idea that everyone has a voice, and people help make decisions together in a fair and respectful way. THE RULE OF LAW The acceptance that everyone must follow the same fair and clear rules, so no one has unchecked or unfair power over others. INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY The ability to make our own choices and do what we want, within reason. FREEDOM OF FAITH AND BELIEFS The acknowledgement that everyone is free to follow their own beliefs, even if they are different from our own. MUTUAL RESPECT The understanding that people have different beliefs and respecting them without trying to make others follow our own. We emphasise democracy throughout our schools by encouraging students to share their thoughts and opinions in a safe and inclusive environment where every voice is valued. Through class discussions, voting on classroom decisions, and taking part in mock elections, we help young people understand and experience the principles of democracy from an early age. Respect for the rule of law is another fundamental value we prioritise. Our educators teach the importance of rules, fairness and justice, providing clear boundaries that help students understand responsibility and the consequences of their actions. Activities linked to the legal system, along with visits from community figures such as police officers, further strengthen their understanding and respect for the law. Individual liberty is central to our educational approach. We support students to express their creativity, explore their interests and make choices within a safe and nurturing environment. By encouraging independence, critical thinking and personal responsibility, we empower young people to grow into confident and well-rounded individuals. We also place great emphasis on freedom of faith, beliefs and cultures. Our schools celebrate diversity and create meaningful opportunities for students to learn about different traditions, customs and religions. Through multicultural activities, festivals and guided discussions, we promote understanding, empathy and acceptance. Lastly, we are committed to building a strong sense of community and mutual respect. Through group projects, community engagement and charitable initiatives, we encourage students to value the wellbeing of others and to play an active, positive role in society. British values are promoted throughout our school

We prioritise safeguarding to ensure every young person at First Steps Together is safe, supported, valued and protected every day. Safeguarding At First Steps Together, the safety and wellbeing of our young people are at the heart of everything we do. Safeguarding is our utmost priority, and we are deeply committed to creating a secure environment where every child feels protected, valued, and supported. We understand that many of our students have faced significant challenges, including trauma and periods of instability in both their social and educational experiences. These factors may place them at heightened risk, and we take our responsibility to safeguard them with the greatest seriousness. To mitigate risks and shield our young people and their families from harm, we adhere rigorously to our internal safeguarding policies and align with the Department for Education's 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' framework. Our collaborative approach involves working closely with multiple agencies and support services, ensuring that our efforts are comprehensive and proactive. Every member of our dedicated staff is unwavering in their commitment to keeping children safe, both within the school and in their wider communities. Any safeguarding concerns should be promptly shared with our Designated Safeguarding Leads, who are always ready to provide guidance and action. Our Child Protection Policies are available via our Policies page. Together, we can ensure a brighter, safer future for every child entrusted to our care.

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 Apr 2026 Easter holiday tips form basis of latest Footsteps podcast 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

Explore the latest First Steps Together news with key updates, achievements and more. Our news 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 Isaac wins first attendance award of 2026 Isaac 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 Mental Health Leads introduced across our schools 28 Jan 2026 To strengthen wellbeing across our schools, we have introduced Mental Health Leads offering support for staff and students. The move follows a full day of specialist training delivered by Katie Rivers of Manchester First Aid Training , focusing on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. The initiative aims to build a clearer, more responsive system for identifying and supporting mental health needs across all schools. Each school will designate its own Mental Health Lead, who will train and support colleagues in recognising early signs of concern and knowing how to respond effectively. During the training, staff explored a wide range of topics including anxiety, self-harm, mood changes and how to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Practical strategies that can be implemented immediately within school settings were a major focus, along with the introduction of mental health first aid boxes that will soon be rolled out across all sites. Caron Cooper, Senior Head of School, welcomed the development, emphasising its importance for both staff and student wellbeing. “From my point of view, I’ve completed trauma‑informed training, and it’s clear how important it is to have Mental Health Leads,” she said. She added: “This isn’t just about supporting the emotional wellbeing of staff, it’s about our students as well. We need a clear understanding of the issues they face, their mood swings, and how we can best help.” Cooper explained that the new system will help staff feel more confident in recognising signs of distress, supporting colleagues and ensuring concerns are addressed early. The introduction forms part of a wider push across the organisation to improve mental health awareness and create consistent, supportive environments for everyone in the school communities. Previous Next

Meet Clive, our innovative social AI robot designed specifically to support the education and development of autistic children. AI robot Clive Clive is our new AI robot. QTrobot is an innovative social robot created to support the learning and development of autistic young people. Through interactive, engaging, and consistent sessions, QTrobot helps boost confidence, understanding, and overall educational outcomes. Designed with a focus on speech and language, social‑emotional development, and cognitive skills, QTrobot makes learning both fun and meaningful. Its evidence‑based approach enables our intervention therapist to deliver personalised, student‑centred sessions that meet each learner’s unique needs. As a result, this helps our young people grow, progress, and thrive.

Discover how we deliver Key Stage 1 with a clear, engaging approach that supports early learning and development. Key Stage 1 Our pupils follow the same KS1 subject areas as all pupils (English, Maths, Science, and the full range of foundation subjects), but with adaptations to ensure accessibility and meaningful progress. Learning is often broken into smaller, practical, and highly scaffolded steps, with plenty of repetition and sensory-rich experiences to match each child’s developmental needs. Very often, our teaching draws heavily on early years foundation stage (EYFS) approaches because many of our pupils have missed early learning milestones or have been left behind in previous settings. As a result, a key part of our work is helping children build the foundational communication, interaction, and early cognitive skills they need in order to catch up and access the KS1 curriculum in a way that is developmentally appropriate and successful for them.

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 about EHC plans and how we work with local authorities, parents and education professionals to best support your child. EHC Plans Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans are central to every learner’s experience in specialist education. As a legal document written and issued by the local authority, an EHC plan sets out a student’s individual needs and the additional support required to meet them. This page is designed to answer common questions and explain key processes. Although we work closely with families and the local authority to help shape each plan, it is not fully within our control. Click on one of the below frequently asked questions to find its answer. What is an EHC Plan? Who can ask for an EHC Plan assessment? How do I apply? What evidence should I send? How long does the application take? What happens during the assessment? What support could be provided? Who writes the EHC Plan? What is in an EHC Plan? What is a personal budget? What are my legal rights? Can a school refuse to request one? Can I appeal if it's refused by the local authority? How often is the EHC Plan reviewed? What should I do if support is not being delivered? In early 2026, our Group Strategic Lead Natalie Ogden and SEND Coordinator Claire Berry spoke on our podcast Footsteps answering many of the questions above. Click here to listen , searching 'EHC plans' in the podcast collection if it does not immediately display due to newer episodes. If you would like to ask a question that is not covered on this list, please send a message via our Advice page by clicking here . WHAT IS AN EHC PLAN? An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal support plan for children and young people, aged 0-25, who need more help than their school or college can usually provide because of, what are officially called, special educational needs or disabilities, known as 'SEND'. EHC Plans are often referred to as an Education, Health and Care Plan or EHCP. An EHC Plan clearly sets out: Your child’s needs The support they must receive The outcomes (goals) they’re working towards The support written in an EHC Plan is legally enforceable, it must be provided. WHO CAN ASK FOR AN EHC PLAN ASSESSMENT? Parents or carers are able to apply for an EHC Plan. Others who can ask include: A school or nursery A young person 16-25 A health professional (e.g. a doctor) You don't need the school's permission to apply. HOW DO I APPLY? You simply write (via email is fine) to your Local Authority SEND Team asking for an: Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment Include: Your child's name and date of birth Their school Why you feel they need extra support Any reports you already have You don't need a diagnosis to apply. WHAT EVIDENCE SHOULD I SEND? Send anything that shows your child needs more support, such as: Specialist support plans from school School reports or behaviour logs Letters from a paediatrician or GP Speech and language therapy reports Occupational therapy reports Educational psychologist reports Your own views (very important!) Sometimes email providers have limits on attachments. Make sure to check the link is accessible if sharing via a cloud-based service (e.g. Dropbox or One Drive). HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION TAKE? The whole process should take no longer than 20 weeks from your request to the final EHC Plan. Below are the main steps: The Local Authority decides whether to assess (within 6 weeks) Professionals give advice Draft EHC Plan is shared with you Final EHC Plan issued WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ASSESSMENT? The Local Authority collects information from: You (parent/carer) Your child The school Educational psychologist Health professionals Social care (if needed) They look at: Learning Communication Social and emotional needs Physical or sensory needs WHAT SUPPORT COULD BE PROVIDED? Depending on your child’s needs, this might include: 1:1 teaching assistant support Specialist teaching Speech and language therapy Occupational therapy Physiotherapy Specialist equipment Help with social care A specialist school placement WHO WRITES THE EHC PLAN? A case worker at your Local Authority writes the EHC Plan using all the advice from professionals involved in your child’s assessment. They will also use information from parents. WHAT IS IN AN EHC PLAN? Below details how an EHC Plan is structured. A Your child’s views, interests and aspirations B Special educational needs C Health needs D Social care needs E Outcomes (goals) F Educational support (must be delivered by law) G Health support H Social care support I School or college placement J Personal budget (if agreed) K Professional reports used WHAT IS A PERSONAL BUDGET? A personal budget is money from the EHC Plan funding that allows you to arrange some support yourself (like therapy or specialist services). WHAT ARE MY LEGAL RIGHTS? Under the Children and Families Act 2014: The Local Authority must make sure the educational support in the EHCP is delivered Health services must provide the health support listed If the support in Section F (Education) isn’t provided, this is unlawful. CAN A SCHOOL REFUSE TO REQUEST ONE? Yes, but this doesn't stop you applying yourself directly to the Local Authority. CAN I APPEAL IF IT'S REFUSED BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITY? Yes. You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) You can appeal if the Local Authority: Refuses to assess Refuses to issue an EHCP Names the wrong school Doesn’t provide enough support HOW OFTEN IS THE EHC PLAN REVIEWED? This depends on the child's age. Normally, at least once a year For children under five, every six months The reviews check progress and update support if needed. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SUPPORT IS NOT BEING DELIVERED? 1. Speak to the school’s SEND Coordinator 2. Contact your Local Authority SEND team If it’s still not happening, you can make a formal complaint. EHC Plan support is a legal duty. Click here to return to the top of the page.

< All news Transition day to help new Watkin students 'feel at home' 23 Mar 2026 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. The event, running from 9.30am to 2pm on Saturday 28 March, marks an important moment in the journey from primary to secondary education, with the day giving families the chance to experience the atmosphere, care and ambition that define the First Steps Together community. Families attending the event will have the opportunity to meet a range of pastoral staff, Year 7 leaders, teachers and support teams who will be guiding students through their first year with us. Tours of the school will allow visitors to explore classrooms, specialist learning spaces and the key areas students will use every day. Throughout the day, staff will be on hand to talk about our values, curriculum pathways, enrichment opportunities and the support structures designed to ensure everyone settles in strongly. Families are warmly encouraged to ask questions, seek advice and get to know the people who will be supporting their transition. Creating familiarity and reducing uncertainty is our key aim with the Transition Open Day. The occasion will give students the chance to build confidence, process their surroundings and grow a sense of belonging before their first day. Andrea Lloyd, Chair of Governors, wrote to parents: "We are genuinely excited to you into our school community and look forward to working in partnership with you as your child begins this important new chapter with First Steps Together." Natalie Ogden, Group Strategic Lead, explained: "This day is all about helping students feel at home before they even begin. We want both parents and our new students to feel welcomed, supported and excited about the year ahead and the Transition Open Day is a wonderful chance to start building those connections.” In addition to the March Open Day, families can look forward to the upcoming Peak Forest Open Day and additional transition events later in the term. Details of our other open days will be shared soon, as we offer more opportunities to meet our team and learn more about our community. Parents with any questions on any aspect of the transition process are asked to submit queries via email to admissions@firststepstogether.uk . More details about The Watkin can be found here . Previous Next

< All news Peak Forest's Isaac wins first attendance award of 2026 13 Feb 2026 Isaac 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, Isaac collected his winning prize in a matching jumper on Friday morning, with Designated Safeguarding Lead Carrie Finn handing over the prize. Isaac 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

< 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