Alt Bridge School

Overview

Alt Bridge School is a special school for pupils with autism and learning difficulties, where leaders have successfully overhauled the curriculum to meet individual needs. The report highlights that pupils feel happy and safe, supported by strong staff relationships and an “exemplary” pastoral care system.

Strengths

• “Personal development” is judged Outstanding, with pupils developing a “deep understanding of the importance of tolerance” and engaging in extensive extra-curricular activities.
• The sixth-form provision is Outstanding, featuring an “incredibly well designed” curriculum that prepares students thoroughly for adulthood.
• Teachers possess “in-depth knowledge” of their subjects, using this expertise to design effective learning activities and resources.
• Reading is a central priority, fostering a “love of reading” through carefully chosen texts that expand pupils’ cultural understanding.
• Behaviour is consistently good, with pupils conducting themselves appropriately in a “calm and orderly environment.”

Areas to improve

• In a minority of subjects, assessment systems are “underdeveloped,” hindering staff’s ability to identify gaps in pupils’ learning.
• The school does not communicate effectively with a minority of parents, leaving some feeling “not adequately informed” about their child’s progress.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”