LA Involvement

Step in to Learning contributes to a range of service targets:

"It fits perfectly within the wider Skills for Life and Family Literacy and Numeracy programmes, all of which are critical if we are to meet the aims and objectives we have outlined in the Green Paper 'Every Child Matters'."

Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families

For those authorities now wishing to take Step in to Learning forward locally the following steps outline the process of setting up the programme.

1. Research the programme

Use this website to read about the programme

2. Investigate if Step has/is already being accessed locally

The DfES holds databases containing the names of all settings whose staff have already attended the Step in to Learning training along with contact details for the local authorities and organisations who have already set up the programme locally and who may be able to offer advice and support.

3. Make contact and establish local partnerships

As can be seen from other sections of this website, the key to successfully setting up and embedding the programme is partnership working. Possible key contacts/partners who may help in moving Step forward locally include:

• Adult (and Community) Learning
• Family Learning
• Skills for Life Partnerships and/or Networks
• Early Years Partnerships
• Local FE college/provider
• Local Sure Start managers/early years providers
• LSC, workforce development and early years reps
• Voluntary organisations, NCMA, PLA etc

4. Source funding for running the programme

Funding can be accessed from a range of sources.

5. Recruit practitioners

Delegates for the training can come from any early years and childcare setting, Sure Starts, children’s centres, nurseries, etc. Many authorities find that targeting new staff works well and some are also planning to move the programme into extended schools.

TIP: Book the training dates well in advance to ensure settings can cover missing staff and that practitioners can access their own childcare

6. Order materials and familiarise trainers with materials

All resources and materials are available to order free of charge from the DfES at Prolog or they can be downloaded from this website.

7. Deliver training

The training can be contextualised for use with different groups of practitioners.

8. Evaluate and monitor training

As part of quality assurance, providers of Step training will need to also evaluate outcomes from the impact of Step once the approach is being used. This includes outcomes for children, parents, carers and families, and staff.

9. Repeat until embedding is complete

See the sections on the right for more information.