OfSTED says The Bridge School is outstanding
The Bridge Special School, for pupils with severe or profound learning
difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders, has received a glowing OfSTED
report following its recent inspection in November. According to the report,
The Bridge ‘is an outstanding school… Pupils are cared for extremely well and
make outstanding progress in their personal development’. Headteacher, Jim
Wolger, receives recognition for providing ’outstanding leadership and a very
clear vision for the school.’
Under new OfSTED regulations, schools are inspected in seven main areas and
awarded a grade (1-4) for each area (where 1 is outstanding and 4 is
inadequate). The Bridge School was given outstanding grade 1s in every area,
including achievement and standards; personal development and well-being;
teaching and learning and leadership and management.
The report notes the following points, which contribute to the excellent
report:
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The school cares exceptionally well for its pupils and makes a real difference
in their lives;
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Pupils have trusting relationships with the adults who care for them and the
school ensures that the pupils are protected from harm;
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Pupils are given outstanding opportunities to develop their creativity;
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The curriculum is matched very closely to pupils’ difficulties and
potential...this has a strongly positive effect on their achievement and
development;
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The school makes exceptionally good use of the local and wider community to
enrich pupils’ learning experiences;
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Teaching is nearly always at least good and the school has a number of
excellent teachers;
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Parents say that their children’s days are ‘packed with learning and enjoyable
activities’.
The Bridge School Headteacher, Jim Wolger, said: ‘The report recognises the
excellent work that is taking place at the school because of strong
collaboration between Education and Health staff, parents, pupils and
governors. I would like to thank them all for their energy and enthusiasm.’
Bill Clark, Director of Schools’ Services, CEA@Islington said: ‘What an
outstanding report! There can be no higher praise from OfSTED than achieving
grade 1s in all inspection categories. Jim and his team are to be
congratulated on the school’s well-deserved success.’
Councillor James Kempton, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Children
said: ‘’ Yet again OfSTED is using the word 'outstanding' to describe a school
in Islington. This is great news because every child's education matters
including these special pupils - with autism spectrum disorders - who are
getting an excellent education experience at The Bridge School.
The ethos of the school is about reaching out to the community. They've done
it very successfully indeed and young adults are well prepared for life after
school. The report highlights just how much more The Bridge will be able to
achieve when the builders have finished and the school can move into its brand
new purpose-built school."
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: