Safeguarding
The Bridge London School is uncompromising in its commitment to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure.
To read our Safeguarding Policy, please click here
Parent Support
Our work with parents includes a wide range of interactions
One to One meetings Parents Support and Information Sessions Termly parent reports Parents evenings Parent workshops Parenting programmes Parent governors We also sign post appropriate provision through our strong links and working relationships with a range of support services such as; Islington’s Disabled Children’s Team, Family Support Workers at Centre 404 and the Family Action team.
The Parent Support Group – The Bridge Primary
The Parent Support Group on the primary site was set up to provide a strong and consistent link between staff and parents. The aim of this group is to offer a friendly, welcoming environment in which parents feel comfortable and are able to discuss any concerns or issues outside of school.The Parent Group that meets on the primary site is available for all parents, not just those with primary age children. This group runs sessions on subjects requested by parents relating to their children’s education. Examples include communication [signing and PECS resource making], Personal, Social and Health Education and Sensory Integration. They also go on trips to such places as The London Eye, Hyde Park, Covent Garden and spend time in school jewellery-making, glass-painting and bag-making.
The Parent Group encourages parents to develop their own skills and to give them the confidence to move forward with their own learning.
Contact mandy.stock@thebridgelondon.co.uk
The Parent Support Group – The Bridge Secondary
The Parent Group at the secondary site meet six times a year to discuss a variety of topics which include: how to access clubs, after school services and direct payments, communication difficulties and how to overcome them, sex education, looking at behaviour as a means of communication, creating and maintaining friendships, Makaton and PECS and extended school services.Translators are provided for parents who request this service and where possible a guest speaker or representative from an outside agency connected with the topic under discussion will come and speak at the meetings.
From these meetings many parents have made connections with each other and go on to meet regularly away from school. If parents would like to attend the Parents Group at secondary they should contact phyllis.miller@thebridgelondon.co.uk
Sixth form parents meet separately six times a year discussing transition and preparation for life after school. Contact julian.matthews@thebridgelondon.co.uk
The Parent Support Group – Satellite School
The aim of this group is to offer a friendly, welcoming environment in which parents feel comfortable and are able to discuss any concerns or issues outside of school. The Parents Group meets at the Hungerford site and is available for all parents, primary and secondary. This group runs sessions on subjects requested by parents, for example, language and communication, looking at behaviour, sleep, transitions, sensory differences. The School therapists support the Parents Group and are available to give advice and training to the parents when requested.If parents are interested in attending the parents group they should contact Lorraine on the following email lorraine.julian@thebridgelondon.co.uk
What We Do
Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and development to new and experienced school staff. They are part of the government’s plan to give schools a central role in raising standards.
Teaching schools have a crucial role in driving school improvement through leadership in developing a self-improving and sustainable school-led system. Teaching schools are centres of excellence, taking a focused role that prioritises core or key objectives. Originally holding six priorities known as The Big Six, this has since centred upon three; Initial Teacher Education, Continuing Professional development and School to School Support.
The teaching schools initiative began in 2011, marking a shift towards more school-centred training and development. The programme gives outstanding schools the opportunity to lead a group of schools, working with other partners including at least one university, to deliver high quality support for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career.
Create a strong supply of new teachers that understand their community
Develop innovative leaders and grow the next generation of heads
Support schools in challenging circumstances to guide improvementThe Big 6 becomes 3… or does it…
Teaching schools initially utilised their experience, leadership and specialist capacity to support schools in six key areas, known as The Big 6. Following successful implementation over the years, three of the original objectives are now generally regarded as embedded practice; Succession Planning, Specialist Leaders of Education and Research.
- Initial Teacher Education
lead role in recruiting & developing new teachers - Continuing Professional Development
peer-to-peer professional & leadership development - School to School Support
provide & coordinate support for other schools - Succession Planning & Talent Management
identify & develop leadership potential - Specialist Leaders of Education
SLE designate & broker specialist leaders - Research & Development
engage & lead in educational research
We understand and accept the revised focus and drive for the three Teaching School priorities [1 – 3 above] but still feel there is work to be done across The Big 6 in total. We also support the move away from the term Initial Teacher Training to the more accurate Initial Teacher Education, acknowledging the depth and commitment to this level of professional achievement.
Specialist Leaders of Education
Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) are outstanding middle and senior leaders who have the skills to support individuals or teams in similar positions in other schools.
They understand what outstanding leadership practice in their area of expertise looks like and are skilled in helping other leaders to achieve it.
Our superb SLE’s are currently:
Rosie Whur Curriculum Leadership in Special & Mainstream Eva Stokes Early Years, SEN Louise Heard Early Years Caroline Patrick Early Years Daniele Borghi SEN Menita Sekhon SEN Amy Naylor SEN
To get support in any of these areas, please contact training@thebridgelondon.co.uk- Initial Teacher Education
School Direct
UCAS is open for applications – Apply Here
Information required for your application form
- Training provider name: The Bridge London TSA
- Training provider code: 1W6
- Training programme code: 37P2
Why The Bridge?
The Bridge is a major provider of professional development in the UK in the field of education, both special and mainstream, holding a reputation particularly in the fields of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD). An ‘outstanding’ National Teaching School, The Bridge has been delivering courses within its Training & Conference Centre and designing bespoke programmes since 1997.
Ours is a truly unique offer within the School Direct concept! We spent over a year finding and selecting the very best partners to assist us in bringing together a programme which blends rigour, creativity and genuine depth of learning.
Download our SD Programme Handbook for full course details.
Contact schooldirect@thebridgelondon.co.uk for ANY follow up questions.Our programme
We operate as a hub for Goldsmiths University. They have been tremendously creative in developing with us the PGCE element of the course.
Our tutors have all been hand picked from the finest members of Islington’s School Improvement Team, working alongside the Best Practitioners from within our Teaching School Alliance.
We have constructed a Special Educational Needs, Immersion element which is delivered over two weeks by vastly experienced practitioners and contributors that are highly regarded in the field.
Your time will be spent between periods of taught sessions within our training facilities and at Goldsmiths University, and up to 3 placements in selected schools following consultation with you. This is intended to be a bespoke package at every stage and as much as we encourage the cohort to learn from each other, we recognise and support you as an individual.
“In terms of the journey so far, I feel that I have received incredible support from The Bridge London. I am able to begin placements feeling fully prepared due to the strength of the teaching sessions. My placement schools have enriched my training experience due to the diverse backgrounds, cultures and needs of the children I have worked with, fuelling my excitement towards leading my own class. The schools have also allowed me to appreciate the value of continuous professional development by inviting me to attend various training sessions. I feel that the course has provided me with a range of teaching experiences and I am beginning to feel fully equipped, ready to become part of a school community.”
Esther, Bridge School Direct Ambassador
Feedback from previous cohorts…..
……an opportunity to share and exchange simple teaching styles and get feedback at our approaches before being thrown in to a school. (Also gives the opportunity to steal other people’s ideas)…… Maths session was particularly excellent……the tutors gave us really good techniques for the classroom and made the sessions fun and factual……the most stand out lesson – engaging and fun, and really great resources and ideas. English sessions have been fantastic!…………practical lessons such as DT (making a racing car) and lesson/topic planning gave the greatest indication of workload, ideas, group work and creativity……
For further information please visit the Get into Teaching web pages.
Conferences
Training and Conference
Our purpose built Training and Conference Centre houses a prestigious suite of rooms available for hire as a whole or individually, suitable for every event, seminar, recruitment/interview day or meeting.
Forget the hassle of off-site engagements, our central location with quick, easy access to all modes of public transport combined with value for money and a ‘service’ response aim to do the hard work for you.
We are experienced, professional but relaxed hosts with a range of regular clientele including AQA, NASEN, Department for Education and the National Health Service.
Our flexibility of space and hire periods has encouraged a number of local and national groups to establish The Bridge as a base for a range of AGM and regular Board Meetings. Whatever you’re planning, email or call us and we will create a package just for you!
Room Capacity
Conference Room 60 in Seminar Style 35 in Cabaret Style Training Room 35 in Seminar Style 20 in Cabaret Style Meeting Room 20 in Seminar Style 12 in Board Room Style Both the Conference and Training Rooms are equipped with fixed projectors and laptops at no extra cost and of course we supply all flip charts and reasonable stationery including photocopying. We also provide a range of refreshments and buffet lunches to meet both your needs and your budget!
Rates are based on a sliding ‘Business’ and ‘Not for Profit’ scale from £250 to £175 dependent upon your requirements and we can also offer competitive hourly and half day rates.
Bespoke & Consultancy
Bespoke
We offer half-day, one day or two day INSETs at your school or in partnership with schools in your area. Workshop days are especially stimulating, with trainers delivering a variety of one or two hour rotating workshops on key areas of your choice. Whether delegate numbers are 5 or 500 we can create the programme to suit all your needs.
Induction & Introduction Teaching Assistants Supervisors Playworkers SENCOs Classroom Teachers Middle Leaders Senior Leaders 1 Simply pick a course for us to create or adapt
2 Send us an email or call us up
3 We’ll take it from thereConsultancy
There are many occasions within today’s school that require longer term, consistent support for step change, team development or periods of transition. Our team has the expertise and experience to develop a consultancy package to meet the delivery milestones of your leadership development plans, professional development strategies or curriculum and assessment policies.
Coaching Inclusive Practice Curriculum Development Approaches & Strategies Materials & Resource APP & IEP Managing Behaviour Induction & Transition With assured discretion we maintain a flexible and focussed approach in achieving your outcomes.
We provide expertise in development and delivery for school improvement, providing advice and guidance in one to one or team scenarios.
Whether mainstream or special school, simply email or call to see what we can do to help deliver your success.
Contact training@thebridgelondon.co.uk
Training
The Bridge is a major provider of professional development in the UK in the field of education, both special and mainstream, holding a reputation particularly in the fields of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD). An ‘outstanding’ National Teaching School, The Bridge has been delivering courses within its Training & Conference Centre and designing bespoke programmes since 1997.
Our ambition is not to dictate best practice but to explore, innovate, evidence and to share. We look to do this by working in partnership with individuals who can share their perspectives, implementing models and programmes that meet the progression needs of the child as well as the adult.
We establish need through local and national agenda, through research and also respond to identified areas of individual priority. This enables us to maintain an appropriate range of programmes, from Introduction to Professional. We are sensitive to all the views of the market, evaluating especially in terms of quality and impact, adjusting both the content of courses in response to the market and also the style of delivery as appropriate.
Booking Procedures
One Day Programmes £195 per delegate Two Day Programmes £295 per delegate Voucher Scheme
Substantial savings are available through our voucher scheme for schools wishing to send multiple colleagues on courses. Valid for one year from purchase.
Gold 20 vouchers at £2000 [equivalent of £100.00 per place] Silver 10 vouchers at £1250 [equivalent of £125.00 per place] Bronze 5 vouchers at £750 [equivalent of £150.00 per place] Courses
Summer term 2019
Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) 16 May
AET Good Autism Practice 10 June
AET Extending Good Autism Practice & Progression Framework 11 June
Sensory Processing Difficulties & Solutions 13 June
AET Complex Needs & Participation 19 June
AET Leading Good Autism Practice 28 June
Autism: Play, Friendship & Social Relations 2 July
Team Teach (6hr Foundation course) 4 JulyBookings & Enquiries
Contact training@thebridgelondon.co.uk
Autism Education Trust
Our London Regional Network is a collective of school based, specialist practitioners licensed to deliver the full range of Autism Education Trust [AET] programmes including Early Years, Schools and Post 16.
Alongside foremost professionals and the most innovative, active practitioners, the AET have developed national, face-to-face modular training programmes for all professionals working in all school settings. A structured, consistent tiered approach suitable for individual settings, federations, academy chains, multi academy trusts and local authorities. Sponsored by the Department for Education, the AET networks have now trained over 180,000 professionals in just 5 years.
These modules run throughout the year at The Bridge London. All modules can also be delivered in your setting. AET Making Sense of Autism (Tier 1), is available for INSET only.
Forthcoming dates
Summer term 2019
AET Good Autism Practice 10 June
AET Extending Good Autism Practice & The Progression Framework 11 June
AET Complex Needs & Participation 19 June
AET Leading Good Autism Practice 28 JuneContact training@thebridgelondon.co.uk
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What we do
The Bridge Charity works to provide for investigation and innovation in special education. Money raised through the charity also helps to develop resources across The Bridge London Trust, which cannot be funded within conventional school funding formulas. Our charity was originally founded in 1989 and called The Bridge School Parent Staff Association. Our purpose, then and now, is to enhance the learning experience of all of our children and young people across the Trust and to be a pioneer in the research and innovation which comes from working with these amazing students. Our registered charity number is 801885.
Our pupils have very complicated needs. We are committed to working side by side with parents and in a truly integrated way with other professionals. We seek new strategies so that we can find the best possible way to educate all of the pupils in our school.
Our Charity
The Bridge Charity has a Board of Trustees, who oversee the work completed across this branch of the organisation. They ensure that all charitable endeavours are managed in accordance with good practice and guidelines set by HM Government and the Charities Commission. The charity trustees meet once per term.
Please email fundraising@thebridgelondon.co.uk for more information.
Mr John Dixon
Chair of Trustees
251 Hungerford Road
Islington, N7 9LDDr Penny Barratt
Trustee / Executive Headteacher (CEO)https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
Upcoming Events
The Vitality London 10,000 – Run for Us!
Monday 27 May 2019
We are putting a team of runners together to join the Vitality London 10km! This race features a spectacular route in the heart of the capital, starting on The Mall and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.
For more information on this and other past events, contact fundraising@thebridgelondon.co.uk
Corporate Responsibility
Corporate partnership helps us to grow and transform our charity activities. Your corporation could fundraise for us, attend or sponsor an event or volunteer with us. Sponsoring The Bridge Charity could help to:
- Promote positive PR for your company
- Create a responsible corporate image
- Extend your reach to potential new business through our website and marketing
- Help to support the vital work of a pioneering network of schools!
As well as financial support we also appreciate pro bono work and gifts in kind.
Email fundraising@thebridgelondon.co.uk or call 0207 619 1000 for more information.
Supporters
Head Teacher Dr Penny Barratt says:
“We live in a time of significant advances in our understanding of therapies, education techniques and technology to help children and young people with autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). Unfortunately, these are costly. Our fundraising aims to give our students the best chance in life and to fulfil their true potential through a range of innovative projects. Please help us to achieve this by supporting our work and helping us to raise £1m over the next 2 years.”
Footballer, Supporter and Friend to The Bridge London Jermaine Jenas says:
“I know the importance education has on a child and how sometimes ambition and aspirations with children are not always achieved. I fully support the work of The Bridge School in improving the life chances of children with learning disabilities and am honoured to be an Ambassador.”
Chief Barker The Variety Club Children’s Charity Malcolm Brenner and Friend to The Bridge London says:
“The Variety Club is delighted to support the Bridge School, with its objective’s to improve the lives of disabled children and to share best practice. The Variety Club has been associated with The Bridge School since 2005 when the school took delivery of its first Sunshine Coach. The Variety Club is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people who need our help. We do this by raising funds for specialist minibuses, wheelchairs, sports equipment, hospital wards, and all sorts of other practical solutions that enable individuals, projects and organisations across the UK to give a wider range of opportunities to the children in their care. On behalf of Variety Club we wish The Bridge School every success in achieving its goals.”
Deputy Head Teacher Woodbridge School Michael Streat and Friend of The Bridge School says:
“The Seckford Foundation and Woodbridge School are delighted to support The Bridge School. Staff, pupils, parents, governors and friends of Woodbridge School have been undertaking an annual one-hundred-mile cycle ride between our two Schools for over 10 years now, raising funds to benefit the pupils of The Bridge School. Just as importantly, Woodbridge Sixth Formers visit the Bridge School for three days twice a year to work as classroom assistants – with the children of both schools benefiting enormously from the friendships formed and understanding gained. The Seckford Foundation and Woodbridge School wholeheartedly support The Bridge School and all that it seeks to achieve.”
Clerk to the Tallow Chandlers Brigadier Roy Wilde CBE and Friend of the Bridge says:
“The Tallow Chandlers are pleased to be able to support the Bridge School’s fundraising campaigns with its aims to advance the education of pupils at The Bridge School and to promote and share best practice across the UK. The Tallow Chandlers have had a sponsor governor at The Bridge School for the past 10 years. I recall a particular highlight of the companies association with the school was in November 2006 when students, parents and staff joined the livery company in the Lord Mayor’s parade and a most enjoyable time was had by all. The Tallow Chandlers wish The Bridge School every success in hitting its target”
Chief Executive for The Lord’s Taverners Paul Robin and Friend to The Bridge Charity says:
“The Lord’s Taverners is dedicated to giving young people a sporting chance so we are delighted to be able to help The Bridge Charity with this new equipment. The new sensory room and playground equipment will have a huge impact on the teachers, carers, families and young people who already benefit from The Bridge Charity, and will further enhance the learning experience and future development of those involved.”
