Step in

What is Step in? 

The “Step In” programme is a cornerstone of the borough-wide “ThisHasToStop” campaign. It aims to empower students with essential knowledge that fosters a culture of respect, personal boundaries, inclusion, and equality. By Year 9, this spiral curriculum will equip students with the skills to recognise sexist harassment and safely step in when they see someone else needing support.  

In Secondary Schools, through 10 short, yet engaging sessions in each Year 7, 8 and 9, and in Primary Schools, through 5 impactful lessons in Year 6, students will explore the realities of harassment both in person and online. They will understand the profound impact it has on individuals and communities and learn actionable steps to stand up against disrespectful behaviours. All intervention techniques prioritise students' safety, and students will be provided with further sources of support should they need them.  

Developed in alignment with Ofsted recommendations, this programme complements the PSHE/RSHE curriculum, ensuring that the content is relatable and age appropriate. The resources have been meticulously crafted in collaboration with school staff and students, making them both relevant and engaging.  

All resources and content required for schools to deliver these lessons are provided in an easy to use and ready to delivery format, including two hours of teacher training, complete slight decks, exclusive professionally filmed lesson content, activity resources, certificate templates, extension activities, and a teachers handbook. 

What is Step into Secondary?

Step into Secondary is a resource for families designed to ensure Year 6 students have a safe and smooth transition from primary to secondary school. Parents and carers are encouraged to use the resource together with their children over the course of the summer to prepare for the new challenges ahead.  

The digital resource includes key messages for children about how to stay safe and treat others with respect. It also outlines advice for parents on how to support their child during this crucial time. Exploring six scenarios with the help of conversation starter questions, children learn how to approach tricky situations that they might encounter at secondary school – such as dealing with older pupils or being approached by a stranger in a chat.  

The resource has been developed and tested in close cooperation with Year 6 parents, school staff, and students in Redbridge. As a result, it features scenarios relevant to the age group and addresses real concerns parents and carers may have as their children become increasingly independent.  

This is provided to schools delivering Step in to supply parents with while they are teaching the year 6 module. 

Why Step in? 

Step In directly works towards the government’s priority of halving VAWG within a decade, and exemplifies the "whole-of-society" prevention approach that will underpin the new VAWG strategy due for publication in 2025. 

The programme aligns with updated statutory 

RSHE guidance, including a focus on misogynistic online content, tackling harmful stereotypes and providing positive (male) role models. 

Step In strengthens schools' statutory safeguarding duties by ensuring students recognise, report and work to prevent peer-on-peer abuse and sexual harassment, addressing both online and offline safety as required under Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance.