STEP has distributed an amazing 653 Starter Sacks to 20 local authorities which includes 388 literacy Sacks, 154 Science Sacks and 111 Health and Wellbeing Sacks. We are delighted to report that we have an 86% retention rate showing that most Gypsy Traveller families joining the programme in 2021 continue to engage in education and the programme in 2024. STEP Starter Sacks have had important positive outcomes for families. Parents and settings reported increased communication, better relationships and higher engagement with education. Several local authorites reported increased enrolment of young children into early learning centres. Most families continue to participate in Starter Sacks and education more broadly on account of the improved relevance and value of early education through the more inclusive and culturally sustaining approaches. Visit the Starter Sack home-play programme pages for more information.