The Sandwell Transition Education Partnership (STEPS) Centre is a transition service for children and families who have recently arrived in the area and the UK and have English as a second language. The programme works with children, parents and schools in an array of ways, offering resources and short courses for parents and carers, English as an Additional Language (EAL) development for children, as well as supporting transition into local schools (supported by effective data use) and providing EAL CPD opportunities for schools. The Centre seeks to create an inclusive, culturally diverse classroom, focusing on ensuring children can participate in a welcoming and supportive environment attuned to their needs. An initial strengths and needs assessment is undertaken so support can be put in place in schools as well as the facilitation of a multi-agency approach to support and skills development. It also supports families with other elements of settling, for example assisting with GP registration or home office liaison. The Centre supports up to 75 children through three classrooms covering KS1, KS2 and KS3. Children’s learning is structured around six cyclical Literacy units covering elements of multi-cultural Britain, as well as mathematics. All children arriving in Sandwell with EAL are required to attend the Centre and after they receive a school place, a STEPS Centre transition worker supports them to move into school.
https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/schools-education/sandwell-transition-education-partnership-service