Riverside Bridge School

Overview

Riverside Bridge School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a happy and safe environment where pupils grow in confidence and are proud of their achievements. Leaders are ambitious, ensuring high standards through strong support from the multi-academy trust and external expertise.

Strengths

• The school has established a "very well-structured curriculum" that is "ambitious, broad" and closely matched to pupils’ needs and EHC plans.
• Teachers are "knowledgeable" and explain ideas clearly, using appropriate resources and revisiting topics to help pupils "secure their knowledge".
• Pupils actively participate in enriching activities, including visits and work experience, which develop their independence and talents.
• There is a "sharp focus on helping pupils to learn a range of communication methods," including systematic phonics for those who can access reading.
• Behaviour is "very good," supported by an embedded system that helps pupils identify and manage their emotions with increasing independence.

Areas to improve

• Not all staff are consistent in providing pupils with sufficient opportunities to develop their independence, meaning some pupils do not become as independent as they could.
• Occasionally, staff intervene too quickly, limiting opportunities for pupils to tackle complex learning or complete tasks independently when given time.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.