As a parent or carer, your child’s happiness and progress are always at the heart of every decision you make. You want to know they are understood, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive. But when you hear the word assessment, it can sound daunting, as though your child is about to be tested or labelled. At First Bridge Education, this is not the case.
That uncomfortable feeling so many families experience as parents of a child with special educational needs is exactly why we created this webinar. “Inside the Suitability Assessment: What to Expect and How It Helps” is designed to take away the guesswork, ease any worries, and show you how the process is built to help your child feel comfortable and supported.
In our free 1-hour webinar, you will learn why a Suitability Assessment at First Bridge Education is not an exam or a diagnosis. It is a warm, carefully designed process that helps us get to know your child as a unique individual. Just as importantly, it gives you clarity and confidence about whether our nursery and school environment is the right place for them to flourish.
A Key Step In The Admissions Process
At First Bridge Education, the Suitability Assessment is an essential and necessary part of our admissions process. It allows us to take time to understand your child as an individual, ensuring they are placed in an environment where they can truly flourish.
By looking closely at how your child learns and responds, we can make sure our teaching approach, environment, and specialist support are the right fit. This not only helps your child have the strongest possible start but also gives you peace of mind that you are making the right choice for your family.
At First Bridge, we use the evidence-based therapeutic intervention method of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), to support children with autism, speech and language needs, global developmental delay, and related special education needs learning profiles. By beginning with a thorough Suitability Assessment, we ensure that this support is tailored, targeted, and timely.
Why Early Intervention Matters For Children Aged 2–9
A child’s early years are when their development is most open to positive support and growth. That is why First Bridge Education utilises evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis when working with children aged 2–9, giving families access to targeted support during the years when it can make the greatest impact. The earlier these needs are understood, the more effectively we can work together to help your child thrive now and in the future.
That is why our Suitability Assessment is so valuable. It gives us a chance to understand your child during this crucial stage, and to put strategies in place that meet them exactly where they are.
What To Expect In Our Webinar
During the free 1-hour session, we will walk you through the full process of a Suitability Assessment as part of enrolment at First Bridge Education, so you can see it from start to finish. Whether you are just exploring your options, considering applying, or have already booked, this session will give you clear, practical answers to questions such as:
- What actually happens during a Suitability Assessment?
- How do we decide whether our setting is the right fit for your child?
- What useful insights can you take away, even if you decide not to enrol?
You may hear us talk about “key skills”. These are the building blocks that help us predict how a child will respond to early intervention. They include:
- Imitation skills – copying sounds, actions, or play behaviours
- Response to name – showing awareness and connection when called
- Requesting (manding) skills – expressing wants or needs, either verbally or non-verbally
- Listening and receptive language – understanding and responding to what is said
These areas give us valuable insight into your child’s readiness for learning and help us design a programme specifically for them that is both supportive and achievable.
Why the assessment matters
The purpose of the Suitability Assessment is not to diagnose or label your child. Instead, it is about getting to know them as an individual, their strengths, their challenges, and how they learn best. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether our nursery or school environment is the right match.
This can be especially valuable for children with:
- Autism and related special educational needs
- Global developmental delay
- Speech and language needs
However, every child benefits from having their unique needs carefully considered before entering a new nursery or school. For some families, the Suitability Assessment confirms that First Bridge Education is the right fit. And if we aren’t, it provides guidance on what to look for elsewhere. Ultimately, it is a positive and empowering step forward.
Why Does Early Intervention And Suitability Go Hand In Hand?
At First Bridge Education, we believe that education is most effective when it begins with understanding. Early intervention works best when it is matched to a child’s profile, and the Suitability Assessment is what makes that possible.
For example:
- A child struggling with communication may benefit from targeted speech and language support through introducing PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
- A child experiencing sensory sensitivities may need adjustments to their environment.
- A child with strong imitation skills may be ready to progress quickly with peer learning and play.
By identifying these needs early, we can put in place the right support at the right time. This allows children not only to cope but to thrive, building the confidence and skills they need for friendships, learning, and daily routines.
What You Can Expect From Our Webinar
By the end of this webinar, you will:
- Feel more confident about what the assessment involves.
- Understand how it supports your child’s next steps.
- Have the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your family.
By the end of the webinar, you will feel informed, reassured, and empowered to take your next steps with confidence.
If you are considering your next steps, we would love to talk with you.