The Bridge at HLC is a special school located in Telford, Shropshire, catering for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties. The recent ungraded inspection conducted on 20 and 21 September 2023 confirmed that the school maintains its overall outstanding judgment. However, it was noted that the evidence gathered suggests that the school might not achieve the same high grade if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The next inspection will be a graded one, which will assess the school more rigorously.
The school is characterized by a caring and welcoming community where pupils feel happy and safe. Strong partnerships with parents and carers are central to the school's ethos, with many parents describing the school as a family-like environment. Staff members are well-acquainted with their pupils, understanding their individual needs and responding effectively to ensure that those needs are met. This attentive approach contributes to a calm classroom atmosphere where pupils generally perform well.
Leaders at the school prioritize the smooth transition of pupils joining or leaving, ensuring that they receive exceptional support during these times. This collaborative effort with parents and external professionals helps pupils settle in quickly and start achieving positive outcomes. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including sports such as ice-skating, horse-riding, and tennis, which are well-received by the pupils. Older students also participate in an enterprise project, which is a highlight of the school year.
The school has implemented a thoughtful strategy for communication development, aiming for all pupils to learn to communicate effectively. Various communication aids and tools are utilized, fostering a positive environment for social interaction. However, there are instances where the communication strategies are not consistently applied, limiting pupils' ability to communicate fully. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills progressively, with a focus on essential learning outcomes. While some subjects, like science, are well-structured, others require better sequencing to enhance learning.
A phonics program has been introduced, and staff have been trained to deliver it effectively. Most pupils are at the early stages of phonics awareness, and the integration of phonics into communication teaching is commendable. The school also emphasizes preparing pupils for adulthood through various community engagement activities, helping them develop life skills.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Consistency in the application of communication strategies needs to be reinforced among staff. Additionally, the curriculum requires a review to ensure that all subjects are sequenced appropriately for optimal learning. The school must also enhance its analysis of gathered information to identify and address emerging issues effectively. While risk assessments are in place for pupils in individual classrooms, they require more rigorous monitoring to ensure safety.
Overall, The Bridge at HLC is a school that provides a nurturing environment for its pupils, with dedicated staff and strong parental involvement. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with targeted actions in the identified areas, the school can further enhance its educational provision. The next graded inspection will be crucial in determining the school's future standing and ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of its pupils effectively.
