Tameside champions smoother starts for young learners

Tameside Council is leading the way in supporting young children’s transitions from Early Years settings into primary school, as part of a national call to ensure “No Learner Left Behind.”

The initiative follows the release of a new white paper from education organisation Pupil Pathways, submitted to the Department for Education (DfE). The paper highlights how well-managed transitions between nursery and Reception can significantly improve attainment, attendance and wellbeing, identifying this early stage as a high-impact opportunity for change.

Brendan Nel, Founder and CEO of Pupil Pathways, said: “Transitions are high-leverage moments. When we make them personalised, relational and data-rich, we accelerate progress for the learners who stand to gain most.”

In Tameside, the Council’s Early Years teams are already putting these principles into practice through the digital platform StepIntoSchool. The system enables nurseries, childminders and schools to securely share key information earlier, helping teachers prepare for every child’s arrival from day one.

Penny Greenwood, Early Years Consultant at Tameside Council, explained: “In the past, information came in late and was often incomplete. StepIntoSchool has made it possible for schools to prepare much earlier – particularly for children with additional needs. That preparation makes all the difference.”

With national government targets aiming for 75% of children to reach a good level of development by the end of Reception by 2028, Tameside’s approach focuses on early intervention, joined up working and strong family engagement. The goal is to remove barriers linked to disadvantage, attendance and special educational needs.

Greenwood added: “Schools have been able to arrange bespoke transitions, adapt learning environments, and even tailor resources to children’s interests – like featuring dinosaurs in the classroom for one child whose passion was identified during a home visit.”

The Pupil Pathways white paper aligns closely with the government’s Opportunity Mission themes: Best start in life; Achieve and thrive at school; Skills for opportunity and growth; and Family security.