Riverside Bridge School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 March 2025

Pupils at Riverside Bridge School are happy and kept safe. They grow in confidence and are proud of their achievements, sharing these with parents and carers through reward ceremonies and events such as the Christmas concert. Teachers and co-educators help pupils to be independent and enthusiastic learners. Starting from early years, children earn certificates and accreditation for what they achieve in independence, life skills, communication and numeracy. Pupils communicate in a range of ways that suit them best. This can be through a mixture of spoken word, gestures, signing and using pictures and symbols. In this way, pupils learn how to express their choices and feelings with increasing confidence. Pupils actively participate in a range of activities that enrich their lives and develop their independence, interests and talents. For example, they learn how to stay safe and healthy, about fundamental British values and appropriate relationships. Starting in early years, pupils learn to be responsible. They take pride in carrying out roles, such as tidying up, delivering messages, lunches and doing photocopying. Older pupils and students in the sixth form access more formal work experience, such as on a farm or carrying out enterprise projects.

What the school should improve

• Not all staff are consistent in providing pupils with sufficient opportunities to develop their independence. This means that some pupils do not become as independent as they could. The school should ensure that all staff are trained and supported to identify and capitalise on opportunities to develop pupils' independence.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)