Newbridge School

Overview

Newbridge School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, where it was judged outstanding for overall effectiveness. The report confirms that the school continues to provide high-quality care and education, with staff deeply committed to preparing pupils for adulthood and independence.

Strengths

• Staff build "thoughtful working relationships" with pupils, ensuring they feel "safe and happy" while championing communication and independence.
• Curriculums are "aspirational" and personalised, with staff effectively collapsing education, health and care plans into "sequenced learning steps" to support progress.
• Reading is prioritised across all ages, with staff using "multi-sensory adaptations" to make stories accessible and helping pupils learn phonics securely.
• The sixth form curriculum prepares students for adulthood through real-world contexts, such as running the school shop or visiting care homes.
• Physical development is integrated into daily life, enhancing pupils’ "physical health, resilience and independence" through activities like hydrotherapy.

Areas to improve

• The school should ensure it identifies and embeds appropriate accreditation pathways for older students, as current opportunities are limited and "underdeveloped" for some.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.