The Bridge Short Stay School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2024

Pupils flourish at The Bridge Short Stay School. The school takes the time to understand the challenges and turbulence that pupils have faced in the past. The majority of pupils have had a long period out of mainstream school before being referred to this school. They have missed a significant amount of learning and social time with their friends. Staff listen to pupils' views and care about their well-being. Staff provide pupils with encouragement and effective support. Pupils develop strong and positive relationships with staff and learn to trust the adults around them. This helps pupils to feel safe, secure and happy in school. As a result, pupils look forward to a brighter future. The school has high expectations for pupils' learning. Pupils gain in confidence and put the past behind them. They are proud of their school and their many achievements. Some pupils return successfully to a mainstream school. Pupils in key stage 4 achieve a range of nationally recognised qualifications, including GCSEs. The school ensures that pupils are ready for their next stage in education, employment or training. Pupils can explain the difference that the school has made to their behaviour and attitudes. Over time, pupils' behaviour improves. Pupils work with staff to design their own personal profile. This identifies what will help pupils to learn well and the strategies to manage any unacceptable behaviour. Pupils develop the skills to reflect on their behaviour and to make positive choices.

What the school should improve

• The implementation of the curriculum is variable in those subjects that have been renewed recently. This means that, at time, pupils do not learn all that they should. The school should ensure that teachers are suitably trained to deliver the new curriculums so that pupils know and remember more over time.

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