1. Meet the First Steps Together team

3. Easter holiday tips & being diagnosed autistic in lockdown

In the latest episode, Communications Officer Nick Ransom, a former on-air journalist, sits down with Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly to reflect on the Spring term. He then joins Mike Smith, Head of School at Kershaw Wood Manchester, for further discussion. The episode concludes with a powerful conversation between Nick and Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd, who shares her experience of being diagnosed as autistic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mum of student Devon and the founder of Denton Autism ADHD Family Support (DAAFS), she also explains why specialist education is so deeply important to her. Where can I find a transcript of this episode? Please click here [https://www.firststepseducation.uk/podcasttranscripts] What is Footsteps? In each 30‑minute episode, Footsteps will take you inside the world of specialist education, sharing the people, experiences and stories that shape First Steps Together. What is First Steps Together? A rapidly expanding family of specialist schools, care homes, and transport services across the North West, empowering young people from diverse circumstances, backgrounds and identities. Why should you listen: With updates from across our schools the North West, thoughtful conversations and some laughs along the way, this is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to better understand young people with differences in communication, cognition and emotional and sensory regulation. How can I contact the podcast? ⁠Please click here⁠ [https://www.firststepseducation.uk/contactfootsteps] Timecodes: 00:00 Nick explains what's coming up in the episode 01:52 Nick welcomes Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly 03:23 Catherine shares her Spring highlights including Dylan the tortoise 04:25 Dylan the tortoise is introduced at Kershaw Wood Manchester 05:58 Catherine's message to parents on Easter 09:06 Nick speaks to Kershaw Wood Head of School Mike Smith 11:02 Mike shares his highlights of the Spring break 11:32 Mike's advice on dealing with the Easter break 14:20 Andrea Lloyd talks about being diagnosed as autistic in her 40s during lockdown 17:01 Being diagnosed as neurodivergent as an adult 18:37 How Andrea deals with responsibility and pressure 21:10 Andrea's thoughts on changes to specialist education 23:35 Being neurodivergent and a parent 25:00 Environments and neurological diversity 28:12 Being a neurodivergent role model 29:48 Cultural attitudes to neurodivergent people 30:57 Andrea's role as Chair of Governors and student voice 32:58 Mood of Denton and Tameside regarding specialist education 34:59 Andrea on the Easter break and being out of school

2. 'It's not a scary process' - EHC plans explained

Nick Ransom is joined by Strategic Lead Natalie Ogden and SEND Coordinator Claire Berry to take a deep dive into Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, often referred to as EHCPs. Along the way, Nick also speaks to students, a parent, and Acting Executive Headteacher Catherine Donnelly about these essential, legally enforceable documents that ensure young people with additional needs receive the right support. Our Chair of Governors, Andrea Lloyd, also shares her ambitions for the role and her passion for championing families within the community. Unpacking each section of an EHC plan, the episode explores how outcomes are set, what effective support looks like and why a child’s voice must sit firmly at the centre. A parent offers a candid account of navigating assessments and appeals, while students reflect on friendships, regulation and what helps them feel understood at school. Where can I find a transcript of this episode? ⁠Please click here⁠ [https://www.firststepseducation.uk/podcasttranscripts] What is Footsteps? In each 30‑minute episode, Footsteps will take you inside the world of specialist education, sharing the people, experiences and stories that shape First Steps Together. What is First Steps Together? A rapidly expanding family of specialist schools, care homes, and transport services across the North West, empowering young people from diverse circumstances, backgrounds and identities. Why should you listen: With updates from across our schools the North West, thoughtful conversations and some laughs along the way, this is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to better understand young people with differences in communication, cognition and emotional and sensory regulation. Who is the host? Nick Ransom is a former BBC journalist and reporter and is also neurodivergent having been identified in his 20s. Having consulted on the subject across business, education and the media, he now works as our Communications Officer. How can I contact the podcast? ⁠Please click here⁠ [https://www.firststepseducation.uk/contactfootsteps] Timecodes: 01:43 Claire and Natalie explain what an EHCP is and why it matters 03:17 Overview of Sections A-I 05:24 Sections J-K and the personal budget 05:52 Section A-B discussed in detail 07:26 Communication, the child's voice, and Natalie's experience 09:14 Who applies for an EHCP and how 11:13 Evidence, assessments and educational psychologists 14:33 Emotional impact on parents, including Rebecca’s story 15:55 Decision‑making, outcomes and the appeals process 17:11 Inclusion, provision and meeting need in mainstream education 19:25 Nick and Claire share their neurodivergent experiences 20:41 Resources on firststepseducation.uk and update on tribunals 22:08 Future of specialist education and current reforms 23:56 Advice for parents and insight from leaders, including Chair of Governors Andrea Lloyd

1. Meet the First Steps Together team

In this launch episode, former BBC journalist and neurodiversity consultant Nick Ransom takes listeners inside the world of First Steps Together. Nick meets members of the executive team to explore the organisation’s rapid growth, its ethos and how education, care and transport now work hand in hand to support young people with additional needs. He then catches up with a Head of School about the challenges and successes of a new term, before hearing from a student whose honest reflections bring the mission to life. The episode closes with practical advice on internet safety, plus a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it’s like to work at First Steps Together. Where can I find a transcript of this episode? ⁠Please click here⁠ [https://www.firststepseducation.uk/podcasttranscripts] What is Footsteps? In each 30‑minute episode, Footsteps will take you inside the world of specialist education, sharing the people, experiences and stories that shape First Steps Together. What is First Steps Together? A rapidly expanding family of specialist schools, care homes, and transport services across the North West, empowering young people from diverse circumstances, backgrounds and identities. Why should you listen: With updates from across our schools the North West, thoughtful conversations and some laughs along the way, this is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to better understand young people with differences in communication, cognition and emotional and sensory regulation. How can I contact the podcast? Please click here [https://www.firststepseducation.uk/contactfootsteps] Timecodes: 00:00 Nick welcomes listeners to the first Footsteps episode 01:28 Executive team discuss vision and growth 02:57 CEO Matt explains origins and diversification into care and transport 04:53 Natalie reflects on January, new role and student support 06:50 Nick discusses routines, behaviour and attendance with Peak Forest Head of School Paul Sunderland 09:48 Attendance and how the approach balances wellbeing 13:06 Student voice and belonging at our schools 17:45 Transport barriers and wraparound care for young people 23:54 Internet safety with Head of Business 29:15 Hayley shares career journey and life working in payroll