Early Years & School

Specialist Education Support for Children Aged 2–9

At First Bridge Education, we provide a nurturing, structured environment for children with autism and related developmental needs.

Our specialist environment provides a form of SEN education that bridges the gap between therapy and school, giving children the tools to succeed both academically and socially.

To support children aged 2 to 9, we offer two distinct but connected pathways: Early Years (ages 2–5) and School Age (ages 4–9). Each stage blends evidence-based therapeutic practice with high-quality education, ensuring every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

At First Bridge Education, we provide a nurturing, structured environment for children with autism and related developmental needs.

Our specialist environment provides a form of SEN education that bridges the gap between therapy and school, giving children the tools to succeed both academically and socially.

To support children aged 2 to 9, we offer two distinct but connected pathways: Early Years (ages 2–5) and School Age (ages 4–9). Each stage blends evidence-based therapeutic practice with high-quality education, ensuring every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Early Years (Ages 2–5)

Helping Your Child Thrive from the Very Start

Our Early Years programme combines the structure and care of a nursery with the personalised support of 1:1 Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, often considered the gold standard in autism early intervention. Children learn within a safe, nurturing environment that has been purpose-built to meet their needs.

  • Individualised ABA programmes delivered through early intensive behavioural intervention.
  • A blend of EYFS curriculum and ABA ensures a comprehensive, child-centred approach.
  • Bright classrooms, engaging play spaces, and an outdoor sensory garden encourage language, motor, social, and independence skills.
  • Therapy is integrated into daily routines such as group time, circle time, and self-care activities, making learning meaningful and fun.

Our aim is to give every child the best possible start, supporting them in communication, play, behaviour, and learning, while preparing them for the next stage of their educational journey.

School Age (Ages 4–9)

A Specialist SEND School in London

First Bridge School is an independent specialist setting registered with the Department for Education (URN: 149762). We deliver a highly individualised education for children aged 4–9, underpinned by therapeutic support and a modified National Curriculum.

  • Low-arousal, SEND adapted classrooms with small class sizes.
  • High staff ratios (1:1 or 1:2) to ensure tailored learning and wellbeing.
  • Integrated support from ABA professionals and allied health teams.
  • Structured daily routines that balance academic development with emotional regulation and independence.

Curriculum Highlights:

  • English: reading, phonics, handwriting, comprehension, expressive language.
  • Mathematics: number sense, shapes, money, time, and problem-solving.
  • Science: practical exploration linked to nature and seasons.
  • Art & Design, PE, History, Geography, Music, and Languages.
  • Food Technology as part of our functional curriculum.
  • PSHE to develop emotional literacy, social skills, and world understanding.

Therapeutic best practice is embedded throughout the school day, including positive behaviour support, communication strategies (AAC, PECS), and close collaboration with families.

A Unified Approach

Across both our Early Years and School Age provision, First Bridge Education is built around the principle that every child deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated. Our team works in partnership with families to build not only academic and practical skills, but also confidence, joy, and long-term independence.

Admissions

Choosing the right setting for a child with special educational needs is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At First Bridge Education, we offer a clear admissions process, including a comprehensive suitability assessment, classroom observation, and transition planning where needed.

Families often search for ABA schools in London that combine therapeutic expertise with a nurturing environment and First Bridge Education is proud to stand out as a setting where children can truly thrive.

Our friendly admissions team are always happy to help. Contact us to arrange a show around or for more information.

Contact Us

    Visit first bridge Centre

    Want to see how we can support your child’s journey? Come and experience First Bridge Centre for yourself.

    We offer a free personalised show around where you can meet our team, explore our purpose-built spaces, and ask any questions about our ABA therapy and early intervention programmes.

    Contact us below to arrange your visit — we’re here to help every step of the way.

    Find Us

    Chelsea

    Imperial Wharf, London

    Our Centre is located in a quiet residential area of Imperial Wharf in Chelsea, London, and is easily accessible by public transport.

    IMPERIAL WHARF STATION

    1-minute walk

    FULHAM BROADWAY STATION

    15-minute walk

    Empowering Progress: What ABA Therapy Can Do for Your Child

    Our expert-written blogs are packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and evidence-based insights to support you and your child.

    How ABA Therapy Supports Communication

    When your child has difficulty communicating, it is completely natural to focus on speech, on hearing their voice, on wanting them to talk. After all, being able to speak often feels like the most visible and immediate sign that a child is making progress.  But here...

    How We Support Autistic Children with Food Challenges

    At First Bridge Education, food technology is not about cooking; it is a structured and therapeutic gateway into the sensory world for children with autism. Recently, our pupils took part in making lemon mousse, a light and tangy dessert, as part of their weekly Food...

    What Happens After Nursery?

    A Guide to Transition Planning for Children with Additional Needs  For many families, finding the right nursery for a child with additional needs is a huge milestone. But as the end of the Early Years approaches, a new question often brings fresh worry:  “What happens...

    How do you prepare an autistic child for school?

    Starting school is a big milestone for every child, but for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), or other learning disabilities, it can feel overwhelming.  At First Bridge Education, we believe that carefully planned...

    Choosing the Right SEN Nursery: A Guide for Parents

    When your child shows signs of developmental delay, finding the right nursery can feel overwhelming. For families seeking specialised support, a Special Educational Needs (SEN) nursery offers tailored interventions that can make a profound difference. But how do you...

    How to Support Your Autistic Toddler Over the Summer Holidays

    The summer holidays can be a welcome break for many families, but for autistic toddlers, the loss of familiar routines, environments, and support structures can be overwhelming. You may notice more meltdowns, changes in sleep or eating patterns, or a need for more...

    How to Help Your Child Stay Cool in Hot Weather

    As summer temperatures rise, it becomes increasingly important to help children stay safe, comfortable, and regulated in the heat, particularly those with autism or sensory processing differences. At First Bridge Education, we support families with practical,...

    Baby and Toddler Development Milestones

    "My 15-month-old isn't talking yet — should I be worried?"    It's completely normal to feel anxious when milestones seem delayed. While some children speak later than others, a lack of spoken words by 15 months can be a sign that your child would benefit from...

    Supporting Inclusive Play with Friends from Danes Hill School

    At First Bridge Education, we believe in the power of community, play, and positive peer interaction to support every child’s development. Last week, we were thrilled to welcome some very special visitors to our garden play session. Our Founder and CEO, Sasha, brought...

    How First Bridge Education Supports Staff and Pupil Wellbeing

    At First Bridge Education, supporting mental health in special education is more than a priority, it is a daily practice. Our work begins with understanding each child’s unique experience, but it does not stop there. We know that thriving children depend on thriving...