The Connecting Steps Framework is a detailed assessment tool that is designed to identify and record the achievements of pupils who are working below age-related expectations in some or all areas of their development. Assessment points are broken down into 3 levels of achievement. All pupils are baselined upon entry and then allocated an assessment pathway Engagement or Primary Steps.
| Engagement | Continuous physical, verbal or gestural adult support to complete the skill. |
| Gaining skills and understanding | Intermittent adult support required. Tasks can be completed but not always accurately. |
| Mastered | Tasks are completed independently, smoothly, swiftly and accurately, reliably demonstrated across different contexts. |
Engagement Steps – This is an alternative to P Levels and used with pupils who are not yet engaged in subject specific learning (below Reception age). This covers the following development areas;
- Cognition and Learning
- Communication and Interaction
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and Physical
Primary Steps – For pupils engaged in subject specific learning (Reception age and above).
English – Reading, Writing and Spoken Language
Mathematics – Number, Shape, Space and Measure
Children may also be tracked using the Autism Progression tool. This covers the following areas;
- Communication
- Social Interaction
- Flexibility of Thought
- Emotional Regulation
