< All news Half-days extended to Friday due to continued heatwave 25 Jun 2026 First Steps Together can confirm schools will now close at 12.30pm for the rest of the week, with Friday also now halved to protect staff and students. It was announced on Monday that schools would close early on Tuesday 23 June through to Thursday 25 June, but due to the current forecast Friday 26 June has now been added. Speaking on Monday , Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly said the action was following a school risk assessment. She explained: "The wellbeing and safety of our students and staff remain our priority. Whilst we will continue to provide a safe learning environment during the morning, the forecast temperatures during the afternoon are expected to make conditions increasingly challenging." It is re-emphasised that students should continue to attend school as normal each morning and are asked to: Bring a reusable water bottle Bring a hat/cap where possible Wear sunscreen, applied before arriving at school (and provided if reapplication is required) Wear loose, lightweight clothing where appropriate Before students are released early, staff will continue to support them through: Access to cooler areas of the school where possible Regular hydration breaks throughout the day Outdoor learning opportunities in shaded areas where appropriate Ongoing monitoring of students' wellbeing Activity packs will again be sent home with students each day and access to online learning will continue. Local authority transport services will once again be informed to facilitate the safe collection of students at 12.30pm. First Steps Together requests parents and carers make necessary arrangements to support this extra half-day. Should circumstances change, or if there are any updates regarding transport arrangements, we will communicate directly with parents and carers as soon as possible. The whole team here at First Steps Together wish to thank parents for their co-operation as we work together to keep everyone cool during this intense heat. Previous Next

< 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 Easter holiday tips form basis of latest Footsteps podcast 8 Apr 2026 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. Bringing together voices from across the organisation, the Easter episode reflects on the Spring term and offers guidance as the Easter break enters its final week. Host and Communications Officer Nick Ransom is joined by Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly, Kershaw Wood Manchester Head of School Mike Smith, and newly appointed Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd. Catherine reflects on her first term in post, speaking about the importance of spending time in schools and reconnecting with what motivates both staff and pupils. Describing a recent visit, she explains that she had planned to stay briefly, citing a busy to-do list, but “ended up staying three hours”. “I was scootering, we were searching for monsters,” she says. “It just reminded me why I do this job.” She also reassures parents ahead of the return to school, encouraging kindness and realistic expectations during the holidays. Catherine says that sometimes it is okay to say, “let’s just stay in our pyjamas and watch videos all day and eat junk food,” adding, “that’s okay because it’s needed.” The episode also visits Kershaw Wood Manchester, where Head of School Mike Smith reflects on a strong first full term for students, many of whom had previously struggled to access education. Mike highlights respect as a key measure of progress, explaining that seeing students use “please” and “thank you” and develop their communication skills has been a significant achievement. Listeners are also introduced to Dylan the tortoise, who has joined the school to support emotional regulation and wellbeing and has already had a positive impact on students. Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd returns to the podcast to share more of her personal journey, including being diagnosed as autistic later in life and supporting families across Tameside. She reflects on the pressures parents face, the importance of sensory‑aware environments and the need to keep children’s voices central as national reforms to specialist education continue. “In all of this fight, there are children,” Andrea says. “We just want our children educated.” With families preparing for the transition back to school, she also encourages parents to reduce pressure and focus on what works for their own household. “Don’t follow society,” she says. “Whatever works for your family, just do you.” Footsteps is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and our website , and can also be read as a full transcript . Previous Next

< All news Double INSET Day kicks off 2026 autumn term in September 3 Jun 2026 Term dates for the 2026/27 academic year are now confirmed with students returning from the summer break on Thursday 3 September. Now detailed on our website and as a downloadable poster , the term dates are a must-have for parents, families and carers. Back-to-back INSET Days for staff at the start of September will ensure students receive a consistent and warm welcome for the new academic year on Thursday 3 September. Our dedicated term dates page now has all school dates up until September 2027, including bank holidays, half-terms, breaks and INSET Days. It means trips with family or friends can now be planned well in advance. Nick Ransom, Communications Officer at First Steps Together, said: "We've made it easier than ever to understand term dates for the new academic year." "Weekends are now included within holiday periods, so there’s no need for any additional calculations when planning ahead." Towards the end of 2026, students will be sent home feeling festive on 18 December with a full week to go until Christmas Day. An INSET Day will begin 2027 with students returning to classrooms on Tuesday 5 January. The 2026/27 academic year will conclude on Monday 19 July. It is anticipated that students will return for the 2027/28 academic year on Thursday 2 September 2027 following an INSET Day. Dates for September 2027 onwards will be confirmed in the first half of 2027. If parents require extra clarity or spot an inaccuracy, they are asked get in touch by emailing admin@firststepstogether.uk or n.ransom@fstmanagement.uk . 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 First step into podcasting with Footsteps launch 6 Feb 2026 We're thrilled to launch a new monthly podcast Footsteps, offering listeners an inside look at our specialist work for young people. The podcast is now available on our website , Spotify and Apple Podcasts and is hosted by our Communications Officer Nick Ransom, who previously reported on-air for the BBC and Sky . Talking to Nick, who is also neurodivergent, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Higham described how the organisation has expanded beyond its origins as an alternative provision. “Over the last 6 to 12 months, we’ve diversified… still keeping that main focus around supporting young people and vulnerable young people in the Manchester, Tameside and Derbyshire area.” He emphasised that the group’s direction is shaped by “listening to our parents, listening to our carers” and tackling gaps in support for learners with additional needs. Executive Headteacher and Group Strategic Lead Natalie Ogden remarked on a busy start to 2026: “My biggest hope this year is that all our learners feel safe and valued… that they’re enjoying being in school.” As a parent of a child with an EHCP, she added, “I know the struggles of parents and carers… that’s what pushes me forward.” At Peak Forest , Head of School Paul Sunderland said the first weeks of January always demand patience. “We understand the first couple of weeks are going to be difficult… but most of them are excited to get back to school.” Attendance is described as a national pressure point, but CEO Matt reflected that the organisation takes a supportive approach. “It goes a lot deeper than the data… a child who’s not attending has a number of factors behind that. It’s our job to break that down.” Natalie also highlighted the importance of pastoral support and honest conversations with families: “Parents and carers do feel the pressure… it’s about that open communication.” The episode also features a student voice, who said, should an alien visit their school, that “they’re going to be fine here and that it’s going to be the best.” The episode also covers the organisation’s care homes, transport services and online‑safety systems, with Head of Business Nick Ledger outlining how new monitoring software helps keep students safe. The episode concludes with insight from payroll officer Hayley Crompton, who said one of her favourite things about the organisation was "that the children come here... they're allowed to just be who they are." Listeners are invited to submit ideas for future episodes as the series continues into 2026 by clicking here . Previous Next

< All news The Watkin to host next recruitment Open Day 9 Feb 2026 On 28 February, we are again opening our doors to highlight our vacancies with this latest event being held near Wythenshawe Hospital. As February comes to a close, The Watkin will host the event between 10am and 3pm. Recently renovated, the building opened its doors in September after The Watkin moved from Northenden to its new home in Wythenshawe. The event is open to anyone interested in a career in specialist education and keen to explore the wide range of opportunities across the organisation. With numerous roles available, the recruitment and management teams will be on hand to explain the significant impact each position has on developing young people’s confidence. Visitors will meet staff, learn about the roles available across First Steps Together’s schools and gain insight into the organisation’s commitment to supporting young people with additional needs. Emma Burgess, Head of People Services, said: "After a huge success at our last recruitment day in Denton last month, we're excited to again provide a warm, welcoming environment to learn more about our vacancies." She continued: "Our Recruitment Open Day is a great opportunity to discover the meaningful work we’re proud of, connect with the people behind it and explore the difference you could make. If helping young people thrive inspires you, you won’t want to miss this." Those ready to progress will have the opportunity to take part in on-the-day interviews, helping to remove barriers and make the process as accessible as possible for anyone beginning, or continuing, a career in the sector. Prospective applicants are asked to complete a short application form in advance by emailing recruitment@fstmanagement.uk , enabling the recruitment team to prepare for the day and ensuring a smooth experience for all visitors. As part of our Safer Recruitment commitment, we ask attendees to bring a form of ID to help safeguard and protect young people. Car parking is available directly outside the building. Previous Next

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