Bridge College

Overview

Bridge College continues to be a "good provider" for young people with autism spectrum disorder and complex needs. The inspection found that students are well supported to access the curriculum and develop independence, with effective safeguarding arrangements in place.

Strengths

• Students "participate in a wide range of learning and enrichment activities" that develop communication skills and confidence.
• Specialist therapy input is "integrated well into their curriculum," optimising students’ ability to engage fully.
• Staff provide appropriate support, using strategies such as ‘now and next’ to "reduce anxiety and enable students to remain calm."
• Leaders have "planned the curriculum well to meet the changing needs of students," creating individualised programmes for adulthood.
• Experienced governors "support and challenge managers effectively" and monitor improvement plans.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should provide further training for staff to improve "planning and implementation of the curriculum" so teaching reaches the same good standard as most staff.
• Leaders must increase staff understanding of "localised risks" to help students develop resilience to radicalisation.
• Leaders should review and consider simplifying curriculum pathways, communicating outcomes clearly to staff and students.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff completing mandatory training, although they currently lack awareness of localised risks regarding radicalisation.