Discover The Watkin, our new Wythenshawe provision helping young people aged 11-16 with additional needs over three floors. The Watkin The key details Address: Claverton Road, Wythenshawe, M23 9TT Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Executive Headteacher: Monica Leontescu Headteacher: Yasmin Choudry Deputy Headteacher: Akeim Mundell Assistant Headteacher: Zaheer Fazal, Kevon Emile, Wayne Grandison & Dion Taylor-Bell Assistant Head of Schools: Emma Bowater Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rebecca Moseley Key Stages offered: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 Our school The Watkin is a specialist provision in Wythenshawe, Manchester, supporting autistic students as well as those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other specific requirements. Currently located on two floors, the school offers learners aged 11-16 (Key Stage 3 and 4) a nurturing and structured environment. Our focus is on delivering tailored support including strong pastoral care and staff relationships, to promote academic, social and emotional growth. It also now houses an indoor and outdoor gym, a library and a sensory room is under construction for the 2026/27 academic year. Whether it's a workout, game of football or an activity to lower the heart rate, we've got it all covered with our gym, outdoor area, sensory room and chill zone The school adapts the National Curriculum to meet student’s individual needs, focusing on developing skills for life beyond school, furthermore, helping students overcome barriers to learning such as school avoidance and disengagement to learning and to achieve their full potential. The school works closely with families, external agencies and professionals to ensure a collaborative to student support. The school is led by Head of School supported by Designated Safeguard Lead (DSL) and overseen by an Executive Headteacher who provides strategic guidance and support. Every classroom has been carefully designed for the specific subject in question Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are The Watkin' 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 (KS3) 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

Learn more about our vibrant specialist school for autistic students aged 11-14 in Hattersley, Tameside. Peak Forest The key details Address: Stockport Road, Hyde, SK14 3QF Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Executive Headteacher: Neil Smith Headteacher: Lyndsey Kelly Assistant Head of School: Natalie Kidd Designated Safeguarding Lead: Katie Bradley Key Stages offered: Key Stage 3 Our school Nestled in Hattersley, Tameside, Peak Forest is secondary specialist school catering for autistic learners providing a bespoke academic and vocational curriculum for pupils aged 11-14 (Key Stage 3). Our mission is to focus on creating the best learning environment for all our learners to thrive and reach their full potential. A smaller more manageable school setting of just 32 students allows learners the opportunity to access a variety of subjects matched closely to the national curriculum but delivered in a bespoke manner and tailored to their individual needs. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities as well as on-site animal intervention and therapy sessions. With perfectly sized classrooms, Peak offers learners a safe, welcoming environment with plenty of boards to stimulate the mind... Students are supported by an experienced and dynamic staffing team who are ready to support learners with all that is needed. Set over two floors offering seven teaching classrooms, communal space, intervention and nurture rooms, school library, catering teaching suite and access to many off-site facilities. Peak Forest also boasts a large outside space for students to access physical education and other sporting activities at break and lunch times. We've plenty of room to run about, with football goal frames also on site. Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are Peak Forest'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 (KS3) 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

Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are SCHOOL'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) 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 SEN POLICY SMSC POLICY

Discover The Hub, our provision for learners aged 14-16 in specialist education. The Hub The key details Address: 2 Read Street, Denton, SK14 2DP Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Executive Headteacher: Monica Leontescu Head of School: Laura Sinclair Designated Safeguarding Lead: Charlotte Layfield Key Stages offered: Key Stage 4 Our school The Hub is a specialist learning provision for up to 28 young people aged 14 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. It provides a safe, structured environment that helps learners reconnect with education and build confidence. The school includes vocational workshops, classrooms, a learning kitchen and a fitness studio, allowing students to learn practical skills while studying core subjects. Learners can develop in areas such as bricklaying, plastering, woodwork and sport. We offer personalised support, life skills development and employability training with the school helping students to achieve positive targeted outcomes, preparing them for college, apprenticeships, employment and independent adulthood. Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are The Hub'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, THE HUB) ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL) POLICY EXCLUSION POLICY FIRST AID POLICY (THE HUB) 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 governors who support and guide First Steps Together with expertise and care. Governors 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. Andrea Lloyd Chair of Governors chair@firststepstogether.uk A neurodivergent parent and professional, Andrea brings deep lived experience, being autistic and having ADHD, alongside years of navigating the specialist education system for her own family. She understands first‑hand the emotional and practical challenges faced by parents and carers. As the Founder of Denton Autism ADHD Family Support, known as DAAFS, and Chair of the Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum, she works to strengthen whole‑family support and ensure that parent‑carer voices shape local decision‑making. Her work is grounded in connection, authenticity and a strong commitment to creating meaningful, collaborative change for neurodivergent young people and their families. Rob Wardle Governor Rob is Managing Director of an insurance brokers. With four children himself, he has limited time to himself but does enjoy a game of padel. He says he finds the enthusiasm and passion at First Steps Together 'infectious'. Rob Nicholson Governor Rob is Managing Director of a local print company. Matty Hall Governor Matty is the owner of The Dining Room in Gee Cross. Sammi Dace Governor

Discover Kershaw Wood Dukinfield, our Tameside school offering a personalised, nurturing environment for learners. Stansfield House The key details Address: 103 Crescent Road, Dukinfield, SK16 4HG Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Executive Headteacher: Neil Smith Head of School: Caron Cooper Designated Safeguarding Lead: Chantelle Bowker Key Stages offered: TBC Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are Stansfield House'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) CURRICULUM POLICY (KS3) 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 PSHE AND RSE POLICY PROVIDER ACCESS STATEMENT RELATIONAL BEHAVIOUR POLICY REMOTE EDUCATION POLICY SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY SEN POLICY SMSC POLICY

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) 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 SMSC POLICY

View all First Steps Together policies including safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, admissions, curriculum and more. Our policies Policies are now reflected in our individual school pages. Please click through to our Schools page to make your choice.

Read the latest Ofsted reports for all First Steps Together sites and see how we ensure high standards, safeguarding and quality education. Ofsted reports At First Steps Together, we are committed to providing exceptional education, care and support for children and young people with additional needs. Our Ofsted reports reflect the dedication and passion of our teams across our schools and on this page, you’ll find the published inspection reports for each of them. These reports offer an independent evaluation of the quality of our provision, highlighting both strengths and areas for development. We publish them as part of our commitment to transparency, accountability and ongoing improvement. Kershaw Wood Manchester Button JULY 2026 Pre-registration inspection Button MARCH 2025 Standard inspection Button JULY 2024 Pre-registration inspection Peak Forest Kershaw Wood Glossop Button JUNE 2025 Additional inspection Button OCTOBER 2024 Standard inspection Button APRIL 2024 Pre-registration inspection Stansfield House Button MAY 2026 Standard inspection Button JULY 2025 Pre-registration inspection Tame Bank Button MAY 2025 Pre-registration inspection The Watkin Button JUNE 2025 Additional inspection Button DECEMBER 2024 Standard inspection Button MARCH 2024 Pre-registration inspection

Learn more about our newest school Kershaw Wood Manchester, based in Northenden, which inspires learners aged 4-11. Kershaw Wood Manchester The key details Address: 14 Royle Green Road, Northenden, Manchester, M22 4NG Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Executive Headteacher: Neil Smith Headteacher: Marie Maynard Deputy Headteacher: Rebecca Taylor Designated Safeguarding Lead: Erica Burgess Key Stages offered: Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 Our school Kershaw Wood Manchester is a vibrant and nurturing KS1 / KS2 school for children with additional needs, proudly situated in the heart of Northenden, Wythenshawe. We offer three specialist classes delivering exceptional teaching, personalised intervention, and meaningful learning experiences for children who require a truly inclusive, supportive environment. Our classes are intentionally small (maximum 6 pupils per class), ensuring every child benefits from consistent adult support, individualised learning plans, and a curriculum designed around each learner’s strengths, needs, and developmental journey. We cater for a wide range of needs, including those who are autistic, live with ADHD and / or PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). The school is often decorated for special occasions but there's always a splash of colour We are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated. Thriving in a colourful, renovated and sensory-rich environment, learning is joyful, structured and purpose-driven. Our school culture reflects pride in identity, heritage and community, from classrooms where children roar, buzz and flourish, to displays inspired by our local roots, including our very own Mancunian coat of arms and the strong community spirit of Manchester. More than a school, Kershaw Wood Manchester provides a holistic, life-skills foundation. Through carefully planned sensory provision, therapeutic approaches and meaningful routines, our learners grow in confidence, independence and belonging, building the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. Kershaw Wood Manchester is where children feel empowered to grow, flourish and succeed, every day. Our policies Policies bring intention, structure and clarity to our school staff and students. Listed below are Kershaw Wood Manchester' 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) 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 SMSC POLICY

Explore how we deliver Key Stage 5 through specialised, high-quality post‑16 provision that empowers students to achieve their ambitions and progress with confidence. Key Stage 5 Key Stage 5 is not currently offered at First Steps Together. As our schools continue to grow, we are actively exploring the possibility of introducing a Key Stage 5 provision in the future. Any developments will be shared with families and partners as soon as plans progress.

Learn how we support young people with additional needs through calm, consistent de‑escalation approaches. De-escalation We know that when parenting becomes overwhelming, especially if a young person’s behaviour escalates, it’s completely normal to feel unsure, isolated, or even frightened. These moments can be tough emotionally, and reaching out for support can feel difficult. This guide breaks things down into simple sections to help you understand what’s going on, how you can respond, and what can help over time. The trigger Escalation rarely comes “out of nowhere”. Young people often move through predictable emotional stages and recognising early triggers can prevent things reaching crisis point. Common triggers include: Sensory overload (noise, smells, lights, busy environments) Disagreements or disappointment Sudden changes in routine Feeling misunderstood, criticised or unheard Emotional overwhelm building over time These triggers can lead into a cycle: calm → trigger → agitation → acceleration → peak → de‑escalation → post‑crisis fatigue → recovery. Spotting the early stages (like agitation or restlessness) gives you the best chance to step in before emotions rise further. How to support When emotions rise, your presence and approach can make a huge difference. Here are practical ways to help your young person feel safer and more regulated. Model calm body language Take a pause and breathe. An adult looking calm helps a young person feel calmer too. Use simple, gentle communication Speak softly and use short, clear phrases. Over‑talking can increase overwhelm. Validate their feelings Show understanding without approving hurtful behaviour. For example: “I can see this is really hard for you. I’m here with you.” Offer simple choices Choices give back a sense of control, reducing frustration. For example: “Would you like to take space in your room or sit quietly here?” Set positive, safety‑focused boundaries Use wording like: “I want us both to stay safe right now.” Take time apart if needed A short pause can help both of you reset before reconnecting. Rebuild connection afterwards When things have settled, reconnect with warmth and reassurance. Many young people feel shame or regret after escalation, what they need most is calm, steady support, not punishment. Moving forward While not every crisis can be prevented, consistent strategies can reduce how often escalation happens. Create predictable routines Routines reduce uncertainty and help young people feel more secure. Encourage emotional outlets Movement, art, writing, sensory supports, or quiet hobbies can all help release built‑up emotions before they overflow. Model calm behaviour Young people learn from what they see. Showing steady, composed responses, even when you’re struggling, teaches them powerful skills. Build a supportive environment Lower stress where possible, keep expectations realistic, and notice patterns (e.g., certain times of day, environments, sensory triggers). Know you’re not alone Reaching out for support can bring relief, reassurance, and practical guidance tailored to your situation.