40 Evidence-Based Scaffolding Guides Born from Real School Needs - 15th Aug 2025
We're delighted to share the launch of our Free Scaffolding Support Toolkit - 40 evidence-based guides thoughtfully developed in response to the valuable insights shared by our STEPS pilot schools across the UK.
"Our pilot schools generously shared their experiences with us, speaking about wanting practical, role-specific scaffolding strategies that honour their professional expertise while offering concrete guidance they could implement right away.
There was a clear need for scaffolding resources that we could develop to support their practice,"
- Nick Maloney, OLT Director
Learning from Experience
When STEPS pilot schools shared with us that their biggest challenges were building staff confidence in meeting diverse SEND needs and implementing effective scaffolding techniques, we were inspired to create something that would genuinely support their practice. The themes were consistent across settings: teachers and TAs needed practical, contextual guidance that recognises their unique classroom environments and professional expertise.
This comprehensive toolkit includes:
- 40 evidence-based scaffolding guides thoughtfully tailored by role (Teacher/TA) and year group (Reception-Year 6)
- Five focused learning areas: Learning Skills, Reading, Writing, Maths, and SEND
- Practical implementation strategies grounded in EEF research and Cognitive Load Theory
- Ready-to-use approaches that can be integrated into existing practice
- Professional development support with reflective questions and adaptation guidance
Supporting Your Current Priorities
These resources have been designed to complement the areas our pilot schools identified as priorities:
- Professional development - providing targeted support for different roles and contexts
- Quality assurance - demonstrating evidence-based approaches across all year groups
- Inclusive practice - maintaining high expectations while offering meaningful differentiation
- Resource efficiency - one comprehensive toolkit addressing multiple professional learning needs
Ready to transform your scaffolding practice?
Access all 40 evidence-based guides tailored specifically for your role and year group.
Download the Scaffolding Toolkit
New to STEPS?
Discover our complete whole-school SEND training platform and join thousands of educators building stronger inclusive practice.
Join STEPS Here