MFC Foundation are the pioneers of the Stepping Up Transition project.

Starting in May 2016 after consultations with schools and local authorities, it was recognised that the gap from primary to secondary school was too big for some vulnerable young people.

The project initially started with three secondary schools and 12 primary schools; it has now grown to four secondary schools and 28 primary schools (three of the four secondary schools have remained, with one new secondary school being added with an expansion in to East Cleveland).

Four full time staff are all assigned to a secondary school, and a cluster of their associated feeder primaries. Their delivery timetables are split in half across the year. From February through to July, staff work within the primary school setting, getting to know young people in year six and preparing them for their step up. In September, staff actually transition to the secondary school with them and stay with them in their new educational environment until February (the cycle then begins again with a new cohort of young people).

To supplement their school delivery, staff also deliver Premier League Kicks three evenings a week in their local communities, signposting young people from schools to the sessions. This provides wraparound care and allows more consistent and regular access to a role model for the young people to look up to.

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closure of schools, staff have created a menu of support for young people to access to aid them with their transition to secondary school. This year in particular is going to be especially challenging, so the importance of having a ready-made mentor is going to be even more beneficial. This support can be tailored to the individual, or used as a whole by schools. Our valued partner schools will all receive these transition packs and resources.

For further information, please contact steven.bell@mfcfoundation.co.uk

Rosedene Easterside in Middlesbrough celebrated its tenth anniversary with a visit from two very special visitors – local ward councillor Craig Wright and Middlesbrough Football Club mascot, Roary the Lion.

Roary and Craig were given a special, socially distanced tour of the facility, which is located next to St. Thomas More School and enjoyed a slice of birthday cake.

Children currently attending the nursery also tested their skills trying to score goals against Roary.

Easterside was the fifth nursery in Rosedene’s portfolio to open, following the launch of sites in Marske, Redcar and Saltburn. It now has 11 childcare facilities across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. Easterside was the first of three Rosedene nurseries in Middlesbrough.

The team at Easterside has built up strong community ties over the last decade with key figures in the community, including a partnership with health visitors, the local children’s centre, church groups and small businesses.

It also has had strong retention of staff since it opened, with its manager Gemma being part of the Rosedene family for more than 16 years, and many staff members having been recruited at student level and progressing into more senior roles.

Alice McCullagh, director at Rosedene, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Craig and Roary to the Rosedene Easterside birthday celebrations. It is vital to us, even during such unprecedented times, that the nursery is at the heart of the community. Even though we had planned to host a huge celebration for all families, the children were delighted by the visit from our two special guests.

“During the last decade, we’ve looked after some amazing local children, supported over 1,000 families and our team love to see our returning parents, with whthey’ve built incredible relationships with over the years.

“Having a reliable, established childcare provider is essential for parents, especially when life is so uncertain. Parents need to be confident that they can go to work, and their children will be cared for by someone they trust. We look forward to providing that service at Easterside for the next decade and beyond.”

Craig Wright, councillor for Ladgate Ward, said: “Happy birthday Rosedene Easterside! Throughout the pandemic, Rosedene has been a vital support to the community and its fantastic to work with a brilliant nursery which puts children first and has community at its heart.”

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