Connecting Steps software announced as a finalist in the ERA awards 2025!

We are delighted to have been announced as a finalist at the ERA awards 2025 in the Primary Resource or Equipment – Tools for leadership management & assessment category!

Why Connecting Steps is a great Primary Resource and leadership management and assessment

Connecting Steps is an innovative assessment, planning and progress tool specifically designed to meet the needs of all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It provides educators with a flexible and comprehensive framework for tracking and assessing student progress across various educational stages, including Early Years and Primary. The primary goal of Connecting Steps is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. 

Connecting Steps stands out with its ability to assess students of all abilities, including those with special educational needs. Its continuous tracking system offers real-time insights into student progress, allowing for early intervention. The software’s framework is flexible, accommodating different assessment models (e.g., early years and primary), making it unique in its adaptability to various curricula and learning environments.

Innovative features include customisable assessment paths, detailed analytics, and visual representations of student progress that help teachers to quickly identify areas needing attention. In 2023, we implemented our AI-driven tool within Connecting Steps, providing written summaries of progress made and the next steps for students. The generated content can be translated into 40 different languages. This year, our AI tools will be extended to help schools to analyse their assessment data, providing insights and written summaries of school data. This tool empowers educators to make evidence-based decisions more quickly, streamlining administrative burdens.

Connecting Steps allows teachers to track the progress of all students on an individual basis. This personalised approach enables educators to tailor their teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of each student, promoting more effective learning outcomes.

The software provides detailed data and analytics on student performance, helping teachers make informed decisions about interventions and support. By analysing this data, educators can identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement, allowing for targeted strategies.

Connecting Steps simplifies the assessment process by providing a clear framework for evaluating student progress. This helps teachers conduct assessments more efficiently, saving time and ensuring that they can focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks. The clarity of assessment criteria also aids in setting realistic and achievable goals for students.

The software enables teachers to set specific, measurable goals for their students. By regularly tracking progress toward these goals, educators can adjust their teaching methods as needed and celebrate student achievements, fostering motivation and engagement.

Connecting Steps facilitates better communication between teachers, support staff, and parents. By sharing progress reports and assessment data, all stakeholders can work collaboratively to support the student’s learning journey, creating a more cohesive support system.

“Our educational aims are met by using a uniform data package across the school, whilst multiple assessment frameworks enable us to show progress for all of our pupils. Using one system reduces teacher workload and improves wellbeing. It also saves time developing reports for accountability.”

Caroline Rowlandson / Oak Lodge School