Our vision is to create a nurturing, inclusive, and empowering provision that supports young people experiencing emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) to reconnect with education, develop resilience, and thrive both academically and emotionally.

We do this by:

• Fostering a safe and supportive environment
• Delivering a bespoke curriculum to promote holistic development
• Supporting successful transitions back to mainstream school
• Inspiring hope and long-term success

We acknowledge that there are often multiple factors that contribute to school avoidance, and we use language that communicates our understanding of this, as opposed to locating the problem within the child.  By creating a compassionate, flexible, and collaborative approach to EBSA, we aspire to transform challenges into opportunities, enabling every child to unlock their potential, reintegrate successfully into mainstream education, and flourish in a supportive community.

Every student at The Bridge is assessed upon entry to identify their individual learning and emotional needs. This ensures that the support and curriculum provided are tailored to each pupil’s unique profile.

The curriculum is bespoke with a primary focus on core skills in English and Maths, which allows students to continue progressing academically and address learning gaps as they work towards reintegration.

In addition to these core subjects, students are offered lessons in a range of other areas to help them stay in step with their peers. This broad curriculum supports a smoother and more successful reintegration into mainstream education.

Students also engage in PSHE lessons, alongside a variety of vocational experiences and enrichment opportunities that promote personal development, confidence, and life skills.

Our location within Woodbridge High School means that students at The Bridge benefit from access to a wide range of specialist staff and exceptional facilities, including:

• Science laboratories
• A fully equipped fitness centre
• A performance theatre
• Art and drama studios
• Media rooms
• Cooking studios
• A school allotment

Technology is embedded throughout the curriculum, with students using desktop computers, laptops, and tablets to support their learning and creativity.

To support and inform each student's bespoke Pupil Pathway, we use the Boxall Profile, a trusted tool for assessing social, emotional, and behavioural development.

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of wellbeing activities, including:

• Yoga
• Mindfulness
• Meditation
• Gardening
• Fitness sessions

These activities promote emotional regulation, resilience, and a sense of calm, helping students to re-engage with learning in a supportive environment.

Additional support is available from a range of professionals, depending on individual needs. These include:

• SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)
• Art/Play Therapist
• Learning Mentor
• Subject Specialist Teachers
• Safeguarding Support Staff

• Referrals to The Bridge are made through the Redbridge Inclusion Panel. We welcome pre-referral visits to help families and professionals understand our provision and approach.
• Placements begin with a two-week trial period, followed by a 26-week full placement. This phased approach allows us to assess suitability and ensure the right support is in place from the start.
• Throughout the placement, we hold regular Pupil Pathway Review meetings with students and their parents/carers to monitor progress and adjust support as needed.
• To maintain strong communication, updates are sent to the student’s registered school, keeping them informed and involved in the pupil’s journey.
• The Reintegration Programme is developed collaboratively with the student, their parents/carers, and the registered school, ensuring a personalised and well-supported transition.
• Before the placement ends, Transition Meetings are held to plan a smooth and successful exit from The Bridge.