Choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating additional needs and wondering what the future may hold. Many parents tell us their biggest questions are simple but powerful: Who will work with my child, will they be happy and how will I know they are making progress? At First Bridge Education, we are passionate about working with families and are here to offer reassurance, clarity, and a safe environment where children and families feel supported every step of the way.
What does “autism education” mean?
We offer an integrated approach to specialist education that brings teaching, therapy and family support together so that children can develop vital skills for communication, learning, and daily life.
Children may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that sets out their support needs. At First Bridge, we work closely with families and local authorities to deliver the provision set out in Section F of the EHCP, while also linking learning at school to goals at home. For families without an EHCP, we guide you on how our environment and expertise can still support your child.
Who teaches and supports your child here?
One of the most important parts of choosing a school is knowing who will be working with your child each day. At First Bridge Education, we are proud of our highly qualified, compassionate team:
- Board Certified Behaviour analysts with UK‑recognised training (for example, UK‑SBA membership and UKBA(cert) where applicable). They translate family goals into targets, supervise and train ABA Therapists and use data to guide decisions.
- Teachers who lead small groups with clear, individual aims. They weave therapeutic strategies into lessons and routines so that children experience consistency across their day.
- Safeguarding and governance embedded in daily practice: Every member of staff has been through our Safer Recruitment process, has an enhanced DBS and safeguarding training. Policies are clear and transparent, and families are welcome to ask questions at any point.
Your child will see the same familiar faces every day, helping them feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.
What does autism education look like day to day?
Parents often tell us they want to picture what a day at First Bridge looks like, it can be tricky to imagine how ABA therapy and education can work together. Autism education is most effective when good ideas become predictable routines that children can use at school, at home, and out in the community. Here are a few examples:
Specialist autism education only works when good ideas become routines that children can use in real places. In practice you will see:
- During small-group play, a therapist may sit alongside a child, perform an action with a toy, then pause for a few seconds to encourage a look, a point, or a word. This gentle interaction helps children practise communication without pressure.
- ABA‑informed practice such as teaching skills in small steps, reducing help gradually (so children grow more independent), and teaching functional communication, for example, how to ask for help, make a choice, or request a favourite activity. From the very first learning plan, we focus on skills that can be used at home and in real-life settings, not just in the classroom.
- By the door you may see a visual supports like a timetable. Staff use the same words each time to help children anticipate routines.
Our classrooms are calm, tidy, and predictable. Children hear the same language for routines and transitions, which helps them feel secure.
How will you see progress at First Bridge?
We know how important it is for families to see progress in clear, simple ways. At First Bridge Education, you will not be handed a dense report full of jargon.
Families receive updates twice a day, morning and end of day, letting them know what has been happening during their child’s day. There are also termly and yearly progress reports.
How Do We Ensure Quality and Safety?
First Bridge Education is Ofsted registered. This means our safeguarding, curriculum, and quality of teaching are monitored to national standards. Our policies, including safeguarding and complaints, are available for all families.
Beyond statutory oversight, we believe true quality comes from partnership with parents. You are always welcome to ask about staff training, therapy goals, or progress tracking. We will also signpost you to public registers, like the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or the UK-SBA, if you wish to check staff credentials directly.
Why Does Early Intervention Matter?
Applied Behavior Analysis in the only proven evidence-based therapeutic intervention for supporting autism within education. it is most impactful between the ages of 2–5, when children are rapidly developing communication, social understanding, and independence. By supporting children in these crucial years, we give them the best chance to build lasting skills and confidence. For families, early intervention also reduces stress and uncertainty, as you can see progress step by step rather than waiting and worrying.
A Safe Place for Your Child and Family
We believe every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and capable of progress. Our individualised programmes support children with autism and related special educational needs and disabilities because we know that education is not about ticking boxes or rushing targets, it is about equipping children with skills they can carry into all areas of life. At First Bridge Education, we stand alongside you, offering expertise and compassion in equal measure.
Take the Next Step
If you are considering your child’s next stage, we warmly invite you to come for a tour of our nursery and school in Imperial Wharf (SW6), London. Tours last around 60 minutes and give you a chance to see our teachers, therapists and classrooms in action. You can also talk through your child’s needs with us to explore how we might help.