Activity Centre
The Activity Centre is a project of The Bridge SEN School , which runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Saturday, for young people between the ages of 16 – 25, who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, dyslexia and/or challenging behaviour.
About the Activity Centre
The centre is located in Norbury, South-East London, within reach of shopping facilities, a community centre, easy access to public transport, a library, churches, mosques, and many more facilities. Once a referral is received prospective learners are assessed individually in order to determine their suitability, after which an Individual Educational Plan is prepared, focusing on their assessed learning needs, skills and targets. Depending on individual learners’ choices, such an assessment can be so arranged as to take place either at their homes, their schools or, if preferred, within the centre itself.
After each assessment, learning profiles are set for all young adults in collaboration with their parents and social workers, and robust risk assessments are formulated in order to ensure that each learner receives the appropriate amount of support, and to ensure their full safety.
Qualifications
All learners will be enrolled on our ASDAN Framework for their personal progress so as to improve their skills. Depending on their current level, learners are supported to achieve a certificate, a diploma or an award.
In addition, we recognise all our learners’ achievements, whether large or small, through special award ceremonies, specific rewards and our Art of the Week selection, which is published in our fortnightly newsletter.
Our Team
Our team is comprised of qualified teachers, an educational psychologist, and communication and Makaton Specialist, and a speech and language therapist.
Our staff are experienced at using a range of communication methods to interact with our client group and to elicit positive responses from them.
Whats Important to Us
In our view, being able to communicate is one of life’s most important skills and this is why we are Makaton Friendly. Almost everything we do as people involves communication: everyday tasks such as learning at the centre itself, asking for food and drink, solving problems, making friends and even having fun. All these activities depend entirely on our ability to communicate with each other; Makaton is a language programme which uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. It is designed to support spoken language, and the signs and symbols are used alongside speech, in spoken word order.
The wellbeing and success of our students is at the forefront of what we do. Underpinning our ethos at the Bridge SEN School is a Personal Growth Towards Independence model of teaching, whereby each learner is educated through various techniques, both formally and informally, in order to help them reach their various developmental milestones.
We firmly believe that everyone has potential, regardless of previous opportunities and experiences, and that by engaging in rich curricula activities in a friendly and stimulating environment, creativity is able to blossom and guide people along their journey towards full development.
The Bridge School is a hub of high expectations, standards and creative flair which ensures that all students have the chance of reaching their potential and their developmental goals.
Services / Eligibilty
Must be aged between 16 – 25
Be in possession of a statement of Education Health Care Plan (not mandatory)
Funded by a local authority (personal budgets are also considered)
Affordable transportation and escort facilities are provided by the school.
Summary of Activities
The activity centre has a set, daily timetable/schedule which reflects the varying needs of all young adults to enhance their skills and improve all learning outcomes. The centre ensures that routines are established and followed judiciously; however, should there be any unplanned changes, young adults are automatically given options based on a list of their preferences and interests. Activities include both indoors and community activities, with a focus on developing our learners’ abilities and their independent living skills. The following are examples of some weekly activities:
