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Newcastle Bridges School at Kenton

'Members of the education team are highly skilled at adapting to particular needs' - Ofsted

'Pupils behave exceptionally well' - Ofsted

Newcastle Bridges School at Kenton offers education to pupils aged 11-16 years old who are unable to access mainstream school due to medical and mental health needs. It offers a smaller and more nurturing environment than most mainstream secondary settings. A secondary curriculum is followed and pupils sit external exams.

A Key Stage 3/4 mainstream curriculum is offered and pupils typically follow a 6 session secondary day. However the provision provides a small and more nurturing environment for pupils that offers a high level of specialist adult support, multi-agency working and significant adaptions to the curriculum/timetable if necessary.

At Newcastle Bridges School every pupil is equal, valued and unique. We aim to provide an environment where all pupils feel safe and can flourish. We will respond to individuals in ways which take into account their varied life experiences, particular needs and ensure that all pupils are supported to reach their full potential. Referrals to our Kenton provision are made either directly by the local authority, via the local authority's Inclusion and Medical Panels, or by referral from the home school for a school funded placement.

There are two Transition Classes based at the Kenton provision. These classes are available for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils referred to us on temporary placements and/or those who are may have struggled in a mainstream school and are therefore in need of a gradual transition into a classroom setting. In each of the classes, pupils have access to a full range of subjects, but are taught in smaller groups than elsewhere in the provision and are provided with a high level of support. From here students will, depending upon the conditions of their referral, be supported to transition back to their home schools, or into our main Kenton provision.

Teaching

Learning needs are met at NBS for all pupils in the following ways:

Smaller class sizes than a mainstream school; on average 8 per class.
A small nurturing environment; NBS is smaller than most primary schools within the city.
Individualised timetables where appropriate.
A high adult to pupil ratio; typically one SEN learning assistant per 10 pupils plus teaching staff.
Targeted in-class adult support where appropriate.
Small group or one-to-one targeted numeracy and literacy interventions where appropriate.
Staff are trained and experienced in working with young people with SEMH needs, anxiety and a variety of special educational needs.
There is a high level of home/school liaison.
The school provides a wealth of extra-curricular/vocational opportunities.
There are multi-agency links and signposting including CYPS, social care, and counselling services.
Transport to and from school by mini bus or taxi is available in some instances for Newcastle pupils.