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< All news Parents encouraged to use EfL app to support learning 5 May 2026 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. Evidence for Learning (EfL) is used across First Steps Together schools to record and share pupils’ development through photographs, videos and written observations. The secure platform allows families to view learning updates in real time, helping them stay informed about achievements both in and out of the classroom. Parents and carers can access our updates by downloading the EfL Family App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) . Anyone experiencing difficulties logging in is encouraged to contact a.bonilla@fstmanagement.uk or a.ahmed@fstmanagement.uk . Assistant SENDCo Alex Bonilla said: "The EfL app is a really valuable resource for parents and carers, giving them an insight into life beyond the school gates and the learning taking place each day." "Parental engagement is incredibly important and, with the app supporting multiple languages, families are able to communicate with us in the way that works best for them." Alex explained: "We have noticed that some parent have not yet logged in, so we are encouraging families to access the app and set up their login details. Support is available for anyone who needs help getting started." When logging in, families should use their email address as the username and enter the domain firststepstogether. To set up access for the first time, select “Forgot password” and follow the on‑screen steps to create a password. Once logged in, parents and carers will be able to view photos, videos and learning updates shared by staff, as well as upload their own comments and observations. As well as viewing posts from staff, parents and carers can also contribute by uploading their own photos or comments, supporting a more joined‑up approach between home and school. The initiative aims to strengthen communication and ensure families feel actively involved in their child’s learning journey. First Steps Together continues to prioritise positive partnerships with families as part of its commitment to supporting children and young people who learn differently. Previous Next

< All news Inclusive Attendance launches across our schools 2 Feb 2026 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. This marks a major step forward in our commitment to creating attendance cultures that are sustainable, inclusive and consistently centred around the needs of children and young people who think, behave and learn differently. Embedding the Inclusive Attendance Programme means establishing a truly system led approach across the federation. It encourages collective responsibility, strengthens best practice and ensures that attendance becomes a meaningful driver for long term success. By working in partnership with Inclusive Attendance, we have begun accredited staff learning, deep dive practice reviews and the development of a five year strategy that places inclusivity, belonging and success for every learner at the heart of what we do. This work also ensures that our approach aligns closely with the Ofsted Framework and the Department for Education’s statutory expectations regarding attendance. More importantly, it strengthens our culture of care, consistency and ambition. The programme will support us to reduce persistent absence, improve overall attendance and build a quality assurance model that helps each school grow year on year through self evaluation, shared insight and collaboration. Senior Head of School Caron Cooper, captured the purpose behind this work clearly when she said, “We did this because attendance is so important for children. The passion is that we want to get these children back into school because they have not been in school. By having attendance incentives and committing to this, because we are all about inclusivity, that is why we are doing it.” Inclusive Attendance described today as the beginning of “a shared vision”, acknowledging our commitment to leading the way in sustainable attendance improvement. This launch represents an important milestone for all of us at First Steps Together. It strengthens our ability to support children and young people every day, ensures we are working to the highest standards and brings us closer to achieving Bronze Mark Accreditation across all of our schools. Most importantly, it reinforces our belief that every child deserves a school environment where they feel supported to attend, welcomed when they arrive and empowered to succeed. Previous Next

< All news £50 ASDA voucher up for grabs with parent survey 21 Apr 2026 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. As part of our ongoing commitment to the best possible outcomes for our students, our speedy summer survey invites parents and carers to share feedback on the areas that matter most to their child’s school experience. The survey has taken parents on average 9 minutes to complete so far and covers communication, support, wellbeing and future readiness. It will allow us to reflect on what's working well and where further improvements can be made during the summer break. Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly shared her thanks and encouragement to families taking part, saying: "I’d like to thank the 20 families who have already taken the time to share their views, they are all now in with a chance of winning a £50 ASDA voucher." She continued: "While the prize draw is a nice incentive, the real value lies in the feedback itself. The responses help us to understand what we are doing well and where we can do better, ensuring we continue to improve for our young people and families. I would strongly encourage all parents and carers to take part and make their voice heard.” The survey also explores understanding and involvement in EHC plan processes, including how clearly support and strategies are explained and whether parents feel their views are listened to during reviews. By participating in the survey , you can comment on the following areas: School communication Partnership with families EHC plans and reviews Safety and wellbeing Individual needs support School environment Teaching and specialist support Online or remote learning Progress and next steps Areas for improvement The questionnaire will remain open until 4pm on Monday 4 May. All completed surveys that include contact details will be entered into a raffle for a £50 ASDA gift card, as a small thank you for supporting the continued improvement for students and families. You can access our survey by clicking here . 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 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 Student letters inspire new outdoor area at Tame Bank 8 Jan 2026 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. The area, named the "Fantastic Outdoor Area", is now officially open and already proving popular with learners and staff. Mr Smith, Head of School, said, “It will help the students around their learning as an extra incentive to get outside more. The more spacious area will also be great for team building activities.” The space has been designed as a multi‑use area, with goal nets and a football bringing the beautiful game to Tame Bank. Staff expect it to be used for outdoor learning, sports, teamwork sessions and social time throughout the school day. Student Voice feedback and the letters sent directly to Mr Smith highlighted how important an improved outdoor area was to the young people at Tame Bank. Their input played a key role in shaping the project and ensuring the space meets their needs. The school is looking forward to seeing the pitch used across lessons and enrichment activities as part of its commitment to providing a supportive, engaging environment for all students. 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 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 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