The Russett School

At the Russett School, B Squared frameworks are used to formally assess pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As of 2026, they remain primary tools for tracking progress where standard National Curriculum Age-Related Expectations (ARE) are not appropriate. 

For pupils within the Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception)

B Squared EYFS Steps (often referred to as Early Steps) continues to be a standard framework for assessing children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). 

While the standard Development Matters guidance uses broad age bands, B Squared breaks these into smaller, measurable "steps" to capture progress for children developing at a slower rate. 

Key Features of EYFS/Early Steps

• Target Group: Designed for all EYFS pupils, but specifically enhanced to show small-step progress for those with SEND who may not meet typical Age-Related Expectations (ARE).
• Granular Levelling: B Squared splits the "Birth to 3" period into 8 distinct levels:
  • 0–12 months: Divided into 4 levels, each covering a 3-month developmental range.
  • 12–36 months: Divided into 4 levels, each covering a 6-month developmental range.
• Alignment: Fully updated to align with the EYFS 2021 Statutory Framework and 2020/2022 Development Matters guidance.
• Coverage: It assesses the seven statutory areas of learning:
  • Prime Areas: Communication and Language; Physical Development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED).
  • Specific Areas: Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design. 

Purpose of the Steps

1. Showing Progress for SEND: By breaking broad developmental milestones into smaller segments, it allows schools to record progress that wouldn't be visible in standard frameworks.
2. Identifying Next Steps: The granular detail helps practitioners pinpoint exactly which skills a child has mastered and what they need to work on next.
3. Transitioning: It provides a data-rich profile that can be transferred as children move from early years settings into primary school frameworks like Primary Steps.
4. Holistic Assessment: It allows for the recording of both linear (moving up levels) and lateral progress (using a skill in different ways or more independently).

Evidencing Progress:

Early Steps is broken down into 8 levels – You will see that your child’s data will show progress by % increases across the levels each term.

Progress is also evidenced on Evisense which Parents and Carers are invited to log in, view and comment on progress.  

Engagement Steps (Pupils Key Stage 1, 2 and 3)

Engagement Steps is an assessment framework designed for pupils who are not yet engaged in subject-specific learning. 

• Target Group: Pupils with complex needs working at a developmental level below the Pre-Key Stage Standards (equivalent to the old P1–P6 levels).
• The Engagement Model: It directly supports the statutory Engagement Model, focusing on five key areas of engagement rather than academic subjects:
  • Exploration: How a pupil investigates new objects or activities.
  • Realisation: The pupil's reaction to a new stimulus or event.
  • Anticipation: Showing expectation of what will happen next in a familiar routine.
  • Persistence: Sustaining attention in an activity long enough to achieve an outcome.
  • Initiation: Spontaneously starting an action or interaction.
• Holistic View: It covers the four broad areas of need from the SEND Code of Practice: Cognition and Learning; Communication and Interaction; Social, Emotional and Mental Health; and Sensory and Physical. 

Evidencing Progress:

Engagement Steps is broken down into 6 steps – You will see that your child’s data will show progress by % increases across the steps each term.

Progress is also evidenced on Evisense which Parents and Carers are invited to log in, view and comment on progress.  

Progression Steps (Pupils Key Stage 1, 2 and 3)

Progression Steps is designed for pupils who are engaged in subject-specific learning but are working severely below age related expectations.

• Target Group: Pupils in specialist settings or mainstream secondary schools working from Pre-Key Stage Standards up toward lower GCSE grades.
• Curriculum Mapping: It breaks down the National Curriculum (Key Stages 1, 2, and 3) into smaller, manageable "steps" to track atypical progress that might otherwise go unrecorded.
• Subject Areas: It is typically sold in three packs:
  • Core: English, Maths, and Science.
  • Core+: PSHE, Citizenship, Computing, and PE.
  • Foundation: Humanities (History, Geography), Arts (Music, Design), and Languages.
• Progress Tracking: It allows for both linear progress (moving up steps) and lateral progress (mastering a skill in different contexts). 

Evidencing Progress:

Progression Steps are broken down into up to 10 steps – You will see that your child’s data will show progress by % increases across the steps each term.

Progress is also evidenced on Evisense which Parents and Carers are invited to log in, view and comment on progress.  

Steps4Life (Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5)

Steps4Life (or Steps 4 Life) is a primary assessment framework for pupils and young adults with SEND who are working towards independent living. It is primarily designed for use from Key Stage 4 and beyond supporting the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) outcomes.

The framework focuses on holistic and practical development rather than just academic milestones. It is split into three main areas (or "packs") to help individuals move toward independent, semi-independent, or supported living: 

• Academic Skills: Functional English, Maths, Digital Skills, and Personal/Social Development (PSD).
• Life Skills: Practical tasks like food preparation, self-care, travel, and managing a living space.
• Employability Skills: Focusing on identifying and getting a job, workplace routines, and rights. 

How Many Steps and Levels?

Steps4Life covers a very wide ability range, from students with complex needs to those working toward Functional Skills Level 2

There are 7 Levels below Entry Level 1: These are the equivalent of the old P-levels (P1 to P8).

This structure allows settings to track non-linear progress, showing how a student might master a skill in one context (like a classroom) and then successfully transfer it to a real-world setting (like a shop or workplace).

Evidencing Progress:

There are 12 levels in total. You will see that your child’s data will show progress by % increases across the steps each term.

Progress is also evidenced on Evisense which Parents and Carers are invited to log in, view and comment on progress.