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Learn about the difference you could make by exploring a career within our schools, where every role helps transform young lives. Jobs We’re always on the lookout for passionate, talented people to join our team. Check out our current jobs below and see how you can make a difference. We have open positions Good news! We have plenty of varied roles that we are keen to fill. To apply for an educational role at First Steps Together, please click here . To view roles in our care homes, please click here . Note: For any jobs you've heard about in maintenance, building support, care homes or transport services, just drop us an email at recruitment@fstmanagement.uk and we'll send you an application form. This list was last updated on 15 April 2026 at 08:32 BST. Behaviour Lead | Tameside To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Careers and University Counsellor | Tameside Must hold Level 6 in Career Guidance To start in September 2026 JOB DESCRIPTION Designated Safeguarding Lead | Manchester To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Head of Inclusion | Tameside To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Home Tutor (Skills) | Manchester To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Learning Support Mentors | Manchester To start as soon as possible (x4) JOB DESCRIPTION Primary Teacher | Manchester To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Quality Assurance Officer | Tameside To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Skills Teacher | Tameside Fitness To start in May 2026 JOB DESCRIPTION Skills Teacher | Tameside PSHE and Careers To start in September 2026 JOB DESCRIPTION Teachers | Tameside Maths and English (x1), Joinery (x1), Bricklaying (x1), Plastering (x1) To start in as soon as possible (x3) and September 2026 (x1) JOB DESCRIPTION Behaviour Mentors | Tameside To start in May 2026 (x2) and September 2026 (x3) JOB DESCRIPTION Cleaner | Manchester To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Designated Safeguarding Lead | Tameside To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Head of School | Tameside To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Learning Support Mentor | Tameside To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Primary Curriculum Co-ordinator | Tameside To start in September 2026 JOB DESCRIPTION Primary Teacher | Tameside To start in September 2026 JOB DESCRIPTION SEND Intervention Assistant | Manchester To start in September 2026 JOB DESCRIPTION Skills Teacher | Tameside PSHE and Life Skills To start as soon as possible JOB DESCRIPTION Teachers | Manchester Maths (x1), English (x1), Science (x1) To start as soon as possible (x3) JOB DESCRIPTION

Our friendly team is ready to help, so get in touch today for guidance, enquiries or support. Contact us Call our switchboard: 0330 118 0974 We are ready to answer your calls between 8am and 4pm every Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. For admissions, email: admissions@firststepstogether.uk For school related enquiries, email: admin@firststepstogether.uk For recruitment enquiries, email: recruitment@fstmanagement.uk Our headquarters: Crossgate House, Irwin Street, Denton, Manchester, M34 2AF Follow us on social media

Discover The Hub, our provison for The Hub The key details Address: Phone number: Head of School: Assistant Head of School: Executive Headteacher: Designated Safeguarding Lead: Key Stages offered: 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 for predominantly male students, with a smaller number of female students. 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. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

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 Head of School: Paul Sunderland Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly Designated Safeguarding Lead: Carrie Finn 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. 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. This space is shared with our animal therapy and is home to our on-site animals including goats, ducks, chickens and rabbits. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

Discover Stansfield House, our Tameside school offering a personalised, nurturing environment for learners with SEMH. Stansfield House The key details Address: 103 Crescent Road, Dukinfield, SK16 4HG Phone number: 0330 118 0974 Head of School: Akira Grant Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly Designated Safeguarding Lead: Charlotte Layfield Key Stages offered: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 Our school Located in Dukinfield, Tameside, Stansfield House offers a unique and nurturing learning environment specifically designed for 42 students with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health). It provides full-time education for those aged 11 to 16 in a smaller, more personalised setting. At Stansfield House, we believe that a smaller learning community fosters stronger relationships and greater academic engagement. Our classes are intentionally limited to no more than six students, allowing each learner to receive individualised attention, build meaningful friendships, and actively participate in their educational journey. This approach not only supports academic success but also encourages personal growth and confidence. We are passionate about creating a supportive atmosphere where students can thrive both socially and academically. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

Find up‑to‑date term dates for all First Steps Together schools, including holidays and half‑terms. Term dates Find the full schedule of First Steps Together term dates for 2026 and 2027, including start dates, INSET Days and those important breaks. Members of staff can access the dates with INSET Days not reflected within school holidays by logging in here . 2026 spring term Tuesday 6 January - Friday 27 March Half term | Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February 2026 Easter break | Monday 30 March - Monday 13 April Note: Monday 13 April was an INSET Day 2026 summer term Tuesday 14 April - Friday 17 July Note: Monday 4 May is a bank holiday Half term | Monday 25 May - Monday 1 June Note: Monday 1 June is an INSET Day 2026 summer break | Monday 20 July - Tuesday 1 September Note: Tuesday 1 September is an INSET Day 2026 INSET Days and bank holidays Friday 3 April 2026 | bank holiday Monday 6 April 2026 | bank holiday Monday 13 April | INSET Day Monday 4 May | bank holiday * Monday 1 June | INSET Day Monday 25 May | bank holiday Monday 31 August | bank holiday Tuesday 1 September | INSET Day Monday 2 November | INSET Day * A non-school day that is not built into, or at the start or end, of a school holiday 2026 autumn term Wednesday 2 September - Friday 18 December Note: Tuesday 1 September is an INSET Day Half term | Monday 26 October - Monday 2 November Note: Monday 2 November is an INSET Day 2026 Christmas break | Monday 21 December - Monday 4 January Note: Monday 4 January 2027 is an INSET Day 2027 spring term Tuesday 5 January - Thursday 25 March Note: Monday 4 January is an INSET Day Half term | Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February 2027 Easter break | Friday 26 March - Monday 12 April Note: Friday 26 March is a bank holiday, as is Monday 29 March. Monday 12 April is also an INSET Day 2027 summer term Tuesday 13 April - Wednesday 21 July Note: Monday 12 April is an INSET Day Half term | Monday 31 May - Monday 7 June Note: Monday 31 May is a bank holiday with Monday 7 June an INSET Day 2027 summer break | Thursday 22 July - Wednesday 1 September Note: Monday 30 August is a bank holiday, with Tuesday 31 August remaining part of the summer break. Wednesday 1 September will be an INSET Day with students returning on Thursday 2 September. 2027 INSET Days and bank holidays Monday 4 January | INSET Day Friday 26 March | bank holiday Monday 29 March | bank holiday Monday 12 April | INSET Day Monday 3 May | bank holiday * Monday 31 May | bank holiday Monday 7 June | INSET Day Monday 30 August | bank holiday Wednesday 1 September | INSET Day * A non-school day that is not built into, or at the start or end, of a school holiday

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 Head of School: Matthew Lawton Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly 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 a 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. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

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 Head of School: Caron Cooper Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly 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. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

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 Head of School: Michael Smith Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jonathan Colquitt 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). We're really embracing the new environment, even if it leaves a few of us a little tired! 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. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

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 Head of School: Chantelle Bowker Assistant Head of School: Emma Bowater Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly 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 for predominantly male students, with a smaller number of female students. 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. The Watkin has recently introduced a new gym to support emotional regulation, routine and physical health 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. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Click here to read how we keep learners safe

Meet our core education team and governors who lead support and guide First Steps Together with expertise and care. Team and governors 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. Details about staff teams within our individual schools can be found on their specific school pages. Our core education team Natalie Ogden Group Strategic Lead Natalie stepped up to this new role in early 2026. With knowledge of all of our students, she advises on processes while also working across the First Steps Together Group. Catherine Donnelly Executive Headteacher Catherine joined us early in 2026 and is vastly experienced in education. Having worked in Asia and the North West in a variety of school settings, she is excited to be leading our schools. Claire Berry SEND Coordinator As SENDCo, Claire oversees how we identify, support and track progress for pupils with additional needs, ensuring requirements are met through high‑quality, inclusive teaching. Aimee Hallett Head of Education Aimee works closely with our teaching teams, also ensuring we surpass Ofsted expectations whenever they may arrive. Our governors 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. She recently joined us on our Footsteps podcast . Rob Wardle Governor Rob is Managing Director of an insurance company. 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 We will be continuing to update this section through early 2026.

Learn how to make a complaint to First Steps Together, where our team are committed to listening and resolving issues promptly. Complaints First Steps Together aims to resolve all complaints at the earliest possible stage and is dedicated to ensuring all complaints are managed sympathetically and efficiently. Any complaint or concern will be taken seriously, whether formally or informally, and the appropriate procedures will be implemented. This policy has been created to deal with any complaint against a member of staff, or the school as a whole, relating to any aspects of the school or the provision of facilities or services. All concerns should be reported direct to the headteacher of the school. Concerns regarding the headteacher should be reported to the Chair of the governing body via chair@firststepstogether.uk . A complaint may be made in person, by telephone or in writing. A written record will be kept of all concerns and the date on which they were received. A concern provided in writing will be acknowledged by telephone or in writing within two days of receipt during term time and as soon as practicable during school holidays. Please contact us using our contact us page or by using our footer below.