Why Are Autism Specialist Nurseries Important?

What is an Autism Specialist Nursery?

An autism specialist nursery is an early years setting designed to meet the needs of children who may have autism, communication differences, or developmental delays. Just like any nursery, it Ofsted registered and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, but with extra attention to structure, communication, and regulation.

At First Bridge, our Early Years programmes (ages 2–5) provide this balance. Children learn through play, routines, and small-group time, while also receiving personalised support for communication, regulation, and independence.

How the Day Runs in Our Specialist Nursery

Our day follows a calm, predictable rhythm so children feel safe and ready to learn. We greet families for hand over at 9:00, then children join a short circle time to practise independence and say hello to friends and therapists. From 9:30, each child continues with an individualised therapy programme guided by ABA, delivered 1:1 and in small groups, blending focused table work with natural, play-based learning in our classrooms, garden and soft play areas.

Late morning, children come together for classroom activities linked to the EYFS, followed by lunch at 12:00 where we support eating independence and encourage trying new foods. After garden time at 12:30 and circle time at 13:00, therapy continues from 13:15, with a final circle time at 15:45 to get ready for home time at 16:00.

Programme Options

• Thrive: Full day, 30 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00–16:00.
• Nurture: Half day, 15 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00–12:00 or 13:00–16:00.
  Both programmes run 46.5 weeks per year for consistency.

How Does An Autism Specialist Nursery Support Learning?

Children at First Bridge learn through a combination of structured teaching and natural play. We use principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to guide therapy, with reinforcement based on what motivates each child. Daily circle times help children prepare for classroom settings, building social, communication, and group participation skills.

Learning is delivered 1:1 and in small groups, so your child has time to focus as well as opportunities to practise social skills. Consistency is key. Staff use the same language across the team, and regulation options are planned into the day. If a child becomes dysregulated, they are guided back into the activity once calm, so learning sticks.

Each child is working to an individualised programme designed by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst to specifically to support their needs. They work with a dedicated ABA Therapist who is supervised by the clinical team. Our ABA Therapists receive a minimum of 70 hours training and regular supervision by our team of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts.

Our approach is evidence-based and always aligned with the EYFS, so children develop not just academic skills but also communication, self-help, and social interaction.

Does an Autism Specialist Nursery Prepare Children for Transition to School?

One of the most important benefits of an autism specialist nursery is how it supports a smooth transition into school. The early years are not just about building first skills; they are about preparing children for the next stage of learning. At First Bridge, we plan for this from the very beginning, whether your child is transitioning into our school or into another appropriate provision.

Daily circle times help children practise routines they will later encounter in a classroom, such as listening to a teacher, following group instructions, and taking turns. Structured therapy sessions build confidence in communication, early literacy and numeracy, and independence skills, so children are ready to access learning in a school environment.

Equally important, children learn how to manage transitions calmly, cope with new expectations, and build friendships. These are the foundations that help them feel safe and secure when they move on to a larger setting.

For families, knowing that their child is developing the skills needed for school brings reassurance. The structure of our autism nursery means that the next step feels less like a leap into the unknown, and more like a natural continuation of the progress already made.

Tracking Progress and Involving Parents

We believe parents should always feel informed and reassured. At First Bridge:

• Progress is tracked daily through data and graphed for clarity.
• Therapists and supervisors meet regularly to review progress.
• Parents are included through ongoing updates, supervision meetings, and termly reviews.

In simple terms, you will always know what we are working on, what has changed, and what comes next. Communication is a two way street, meaning your insights and updates about what is happening at home are valuable to us in ensuring we are supporting your child as best as possible.

Ofsted and Quality Standards

All nurseries, including nurseries for children with special educational needs, are inspected by Ofsted under the EYFS framework. Inspectors look at intent, implementation, and impact. At First Bridge, this means you can see how your child’s therapy and education targets links directly to the daily timetable and to their progress.

Why Does Early Intervention Matter?

The years between two and five are a period of rapid growth. For children with special educational needs or developmental delays, early, specialist support can:

• Strengthen communication and independence.
• Reduce frustration and help friendships develop.
• Lay the foundation for future learning at school.
• Give families clarity and confidence about next steps.

How First Bridge Partners with Families

We see parents as central to the journey. From your first visit, you are part of setting and reviewing your child’s goals. We celebrate progress together and make sure every plan is practical for both home and school life. Our autism specialist nursery and school offer not just education, but a safe and consistent environment where children thrive and families feel supported.

An autism specialist nursery supports not only children but also their families. Parents often tell us that once their child settles into our structured, supportive routine, life at home becomes calmer. Communication improves, frustration decreases, and families gain confidence about next steps.

This sense of partnership reduces stress, provides clarity, and helps parents feel less alone. With professional guidance and consistent daily structure, families can focus on enjoying time together rather than worrying about how to manage every challenge.

Considering Next Steps?

If you are exploring options for your child, we would love to talk with you. You can book a tour of our Imperial Wharf site to see how we blend evidenced based therapeutic intervention with education in action.

Our Approach: Low-Pressure, High-Structure 

We apply four key strategies when supporting children with food issues, as outlined in our blog post “Why Won’t My Child Try New Foods?”:

1. Routine and Structure – Regular Food Tech sessions offer predictable, supportive environments for food exploration. 

1. Sensory Gradation – We design tasks with layered sensory inputs to scaffold tolerance. 

1. Familiar Pairing – New ingredients are introduced alongside well-tolerated ones (like pairing lemon cream with familiar raspberries). 

1. No Pressure to Eat – We celebrate interaction, not consumption. Every step counts, from touching, to smelling, to mixing, to trying a bite. 

Building Lifelong Skills 

Food Tech is embedded in our broader curriculum because it supports communication, sensory regulation, independence, and daily living skills. Whether through PECS, Proloquo2Go, verbal communication, or visual schedules, our pupils are guided to make choices, express preferences, and develop confidence with food. 

For autistic children, overcoming food aversion is not about eating more; it is about feeling safe and respected in their experiences. At First Bridge, we honour every child’s sensory profile and meet them where they are. 

What Does Progress Look Like? 

As the photos show, every child engaged with the mousse-making activity in their own way. One child practised scooping and stirring with gentle support from their ABA therapist, working on motor coordination and hand strength. Another explored raspberries by touch, counting and naming. A third focused intently on whisking the cream, delighted by the sensory feedback. 

For some children, success meant taking a single raspberry to their lips. For others, it meant mixing ingredients or observing their peers calmly. All of these are celebrated milestones, especially for children with longstanding food challenges.