At Riverside Bridge School, we believe that strong communication and partnership with families are essential to pupil success.

We are committed to ensuring that parents and carers feel informed, involved and supported throughout their child's journey with us. Through regular communication, reporting, feedback opportunities and partnership working, we aim to build strong relationships that support positive outcomes for pupils.

We recognise that parents and carers know their children best. By working together, we can ensure that pupils receive consistent support both at home and at school, helping them to thrive and achieve their full potential.

This section provides information about:

  • term dates and key school information
  • the structure of the school day
  • communication platforms and tools
  • reporting and assessment information
  • opportunities for parents and carers to share their views

Through open communication and strong partnerships, we aim to create a school community where families feel welcomed, informed and valued.

At Riverside Bridge School, we aim to provide clear and accessible information to help families plan for the school year and support pupils in maintaining consistent attendance and routines.

Our term dates outline the start and end of each term, school holidays and staff training days (INSET days). We encourage families to refer to this information when making plans throughout the year.

Please see the document below for full details of the academic year, including:

  • term start and end dates
  • school holiday periods
  • bank holidays
  • staff training (INSET) days
  • key closure dates

 

 

 

 

Important information

Term dates are set in line with Local Authority guidance and may include staff training days (INSET days) when the school is closed to pupils.

While every effort is made to avoid changes, term dates may occasionally need to be updated. We recommend that families check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Planning for the school year

Regular attendance plays an important role in supporting pupils' learning, wellbeing and development.

We encourage families to avoid booking holidays during term time wherever possible, as this can interrupt learning, routines and opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

If you need to request leave during term time, please refer to our Attendance section for further guidance.

Supporting consistent attendance

For many of our pupils, routine and predictability are particularly important. Consistent attendance helps pupils to:

  • build strong relationships with staff and peers
  • develop confidence and independence
  • maintain learning and communication skills
  • feel secure within familiar routines
  • engage fully in school life

By working together, we can ensure that pupils benefit from the widest possible range of learning opportunities and experiences throughout the school year.

At Riverside Bridge School, we recognise that structure, routine and predictability are essential in helping pupils feel safe, secure and ready to learn.

Many of our pupils benefit from clear routines and consistent expectations. A well-structured school day supports communication, emotional regulation, independence and engagement in learning. Our daily routines are carefully designed to provide the right balance of learning, therapeutic support, social interaction and personal development.

Learning throughout the week

All pupils access a weekly timetable of 25 hours.

Learning is carefully planned across the school's six Areas of Development. The amount of time allocated to different areas changes as pupils move through the curriculum pathways, ensuring that learning remains appropriate to their developmental stage and future aspirations.

As pupils progress through the school, the balance of learning adapts to reflect increasing independence, preparation for adulthood and readiness for future pathways.

The diagram below shows how curriculum time is allocated across the different pathways.

 

Our curriculum is designed to manage cognitive load and support long-term retention of learning.

For some pupils, particularly those in our pre-formal pathways, shorter learning sessions and increased opportunities for communication, engagement and sensory experiences are essential. As pupils develop, they are able to engage in longer periods of learning and increasingly specialised preparation for adulthood experiences.

This progressive approach ensures that pupils build the knowledge, skills and independence they need at each stage of their journey through Riverside Bridge School.

School day timings

Time

Activity
9:00am Arrival and transitioning to class
9:15am Morning routine
9:30am to 10.15am Lesson 1
10:15am to 11:00am Lesson 2
11:00 to 11:30am Snack time
11:30am to 12:15pm Lesson 3
12:15pm to 1:15pm Lunchtime
1:15pm to 1:30pm DEAR time
1:30pm to 2:15pm Lesson 4
2:15pm to 3:00pm Lesson 5
3:00pm to 3:15pm Transitioning to buses

 

Individual class timetables may vary depending on pathway, age and pupil need.

 

Every moment is a learning opportunity

At Riverside Bridge School, communication, independence and personal development are not taught only during lessons.

We believe that every part of the school day provides valuable opportunities for learning. From arriving at school in the morning to leaving at the end of the day, pupils are supported to communicate, make choices, build relationships and develop independence.

Opportunities for learning are embedded throughout:

  • arrival and transitions,
  • morning routines,
  • classroom learning,
  • play and outdoor activities,
  • snack and lunchtime,
  • personal care routines,
  • physical education and swimming,
  • community visits,
  • home time routines.

This approach helps pupils apply their skills in meaningful, real-life situations and supports the development of communication, independence and preparation for adulthood across the entire school day.

Arrival and start of the day

Pupils arrive from 9:00am and are welcomed into school by familiar staff who help them settle into the day.

Morning routines provide opportunities for pupils to transition calmly into school, communicate important information and prepare for learning. Consistent arrival procedures help pupils feel secure and ready to engage.

Learning throughout the day

Learning takes place through a combination of:

  • communication and language development,;
  • academic learning,
  • personal development and life skills,
  • physical activity and swimming,
  • therapeutic support,
  • community learning opportunities,
  • sensory and regulation activities.

Learning is carefully adapted to meet individual needs and ensure that every pupil can participate meaningfully.

Lunchtime and social development

Lunchtime is an important part of the school day and provides valuable opportunities for pupils to develop independence, communication and social skills.

Pupils are supported to make choices, interact with others and take part in structured activities that help build confidence and positive relationships.

End of the school day

The final lesson ends at 3:00pm.

The end of the day follows a consistent routine to help pupils prepare for the transition home. Staff support pupils with organisation, communication and departure arrangements, helping to ensure that the day ends positively and calmly.

Why do routine matters?

For many pupils, predictable routines reduce anxiety and increase confidence.

A consistent school day helps pupils to:

  • feel safe and secure
  • develop independence
  • build positive relationships
  • engage successfully in learning
  • regulate their emotions more effectively
  • prepare for transitions and change

By providing clear routines and supportive structures, we help pupils develop the confidence and skills they need both in school and beyond.

At Riverside Bridge School, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to pupil success.

We recognise that parents and carers know their children best and play a vital role in supporting their learning, wellbeing and development. By working together, sharing information and maintaining open communication, we can provide consistent support that helps pupils feel secure, make progress and develop greater independence.

Communication at Riverside Bridge School is about much more than sharing information. It is about building positive relationships, celebrating success, providing support and ensuring that families feel informed, involved and valued throughout their child's journey with us.

We are committed to maintaining clear, accessible and meaningful communication with families through a range of digital platforms, meetings, events, workshops and everyday interactions. Our aim is to ensure that parents and carers have the information, guidance and support they need to work alongside us in helping their child thrive.

Working in partnership

We believe that education is most successful when school and families work together.

Parents and carers are encouraged to:

  • share information about their child's needs and strengths
  • communicate any concerns or changes in circumstances
  • attend meetings, reviews and school events
  • engage with learning and development opportunities
  • contribute their views through surveys, consultations and parent forums
  • celebrate their child's achievements alongside the school

This collaborative approach helps ensure that support is consistent across home and school and that pupils experience a joined-up approach to their development.

How We Communicate

We use a range of communication methods to ensure that information is shared effectively and families can access support when they need it.

For...

Please use...

Daily updates and celebrations

ClassDojo
Attendance Email: attendance@riversidebridge.com
Telephone: 0203 946 5809

Pupils' information

MCAS

Parent resources and training

Parent Hub (from September 2026)

Questions or concerns

Contact the school directly

Email: bridge@riversidebridge.com
Telephone: 0203 946 5809

Safeguarding concerns

Contact the school office immediately: 

Email: bridge@riversidebridge.com
Telephone: 0203 946 5809

Different communication tools are designed for different purposes. The tabs below explain how each system is used and how families can access support.

 

ClassDojo is Riverside Bridge School's primary day-to-day communication platform and plays an important role in strengthening the partnership between home and school.

We use ClassDojo to share regular updates about school life, celebrate achievements and keep families informed about what is happening in their child's class. It provides a simple, secure and accessible way for parents and carers to stay connected to their child's learning and experiences throughout the school day.

Through ClassDojo, parents and carers can:

  • receive updates about learning and classroom activities
  • view photographs and celebrations of achievements
  • receive reminders about events, trips and important information
  • see positive behaviour points linked to our school values
  • keep up to date with class news and activities

ClassDojo helps families gain a better understanding of their child's experiences in school and provides opportunities to celebrate successes together.

Celebrating success

At Riverside Bridge School, we believe that recognising achievement is an important part of supporting pupil confidence, wellbeing and motivation.

ClassDojo allows staff to share positive moments from the school day, helping families to see and celebrate the progress their child is making. This may include achievements in communication, independence, learning, personal development or social interaction.

Many of our pupils make progress through small but significant steps, and sharing these moments helps strengthen the connection between home and school.

Supporting home-school partnership

ClassDojo also provides opportunities for families to share achievements and experiences from home.

This helps staff develop a fuller understanding of each pupil and supports a more consistent approach between home and school. Sharing information in this way allows us to celebrate learning wherever it takes place and build a stronger picture of pupils' development.

Communication expectations

ClassDojo is designed to support positive day-to-day communication and the sharing of information.

To ensure that communication remains effective and manageable for everyone, we ask that ClassDojo is used for:

  • general updates and information sharing
  • celebrating achievements
  • routine communication

ClassDojo is not intended for:

  • reporting pupil absence or attendance matters
  • safeguarding concerns
  • complaints or formal concerns
  • urgent messages requiring an immediate response
  • detailed discussions about pupil progress

Reporting absence

If your child is absent from school, please do not report this through ClassDojo.

All absences should be reported directly to the school using the designated attendance procedures. This helps ensure that attendance records are updated promptly and that safeguarding procedures can be followed appropriately.

To report an absence, please:

email the school attendance email address: [Insert Attendance Email]

or telephone the school office on 0203 946 5809

This ensures that absence information reaches the correct staff member as quickly as possible.

Respectful communication

We are committed to maintaining positive and respectful communication between families and staff.

We ask that all communication through ClassDojo reflects the same standards of courtesy and respect that we expect throughout our school community. This helps ensure that the platform remains a supportive and effective tool for everyone.

Need support?

If you require support accessing ClassDojo, setting up your account or using the platform, please contact the school office.

Our staff will be happy to help you access the system and make the most of the information and support available through it.

My Child At School (MCAS) is Riverside Bridge School's secure online portal for parents and carers.

MCAS provides access to important information about your child's education, helping families stay informed about progress, attendance and school life in a clear and structured way.

The system can be accessed through a web browser or via the MCAS mobile app, allowing parents and carers to view information at a time that is convenient for them.

What can you access through MCAS?

MCAS provides access to a range of information, including:

  • attendance information
  • behaviour and achievement updates
  • timetables
  • home learning
  • assessment information
  • end of year reports
  • pupil information and key school communications

This allows parents and carers to maintain an up-to-date understanding of their child's progress and engagement in school.

Supporting home-school communication

MCAS helps strengthen communication between home and school by providing families with direct access to important information throughout the year.

Rather than waiting for formal meetings or reports, parents and carers can access key information whenever they need it, helping to support conversations about learning, attendance and development.

The system is designed to complement our wider communication methods and ensure that families remain informed and involved in their child's education.

Accessing MCAS

To access MCAS, parents and carers will need to register using the email address held by the school.

Once registered, MCAS can be accessed:

  • through the MCAS mobile app
  • via the school website
  • through any internet-enabled device

Login details and registration information are provided by the school.

Keeping information up-to-date

To ensure that MCAS functions correctly, it is important that the school holds accurate contact information for all parents and carers.

If your email address, telephone number or contact details change, please inform the school office as soon as possible so that records can be updated.

This helps ensure that you continue to receive important communications and can access your child's information without interruption.

Need support?

If you require support registering for MCAS, accessing your account or navigating the system, please contact the school office.

Our staff will be happy to help you access the information available and ensure that you can make full use of the system.

Email: bridge@riversidebridge.com

Telephone: 0203 946 5809

At Riverside Bridge School, we are committed to supporting families beyond day-to-day communication.

Our Parent Hub provides access to a range of resources, guidance and training materials designed to help parents and carers support their child's learning, communication, independence and wellbeing at home.

We recognise that families are key partners in their child's development. By sharing information, practical strategies and useful resources, we aim to build confidence and strengthen the connection between home and school.

Resources for families

The Parent Hub provides access to a growing range of information and resources, including:

  • home learning guidance,
  • curriculum information,
  • communication and language resources,
  • Makaton support materials,
  • online safety guidance,
  • behaviour and emotional regulation strategies,
  • attendance information,
  • preparation for adulthood resources,
  • transition support materials,
  • school policies and key documents.

Resources are designed to be practical, accessible and relevant to the needs of our pupils and families.

Parent workshops and training

Throughout the year, we provide a range of workshops, information sessions and training opportunities for parents and carers.

These may include:

  • communication and language development,
  • Makaton training,
  • supporting emotional regulation,
  • online safety,
  • preparation for adulthood,
  • learning at home,
  • understanding SEND and EHCPs,
  • transition support.

Workshop materials and presentations will be made available through the Parent Hub wherever possible, allowing families to revisit information at a time that suits them.

Supporting learning at home

Many of the resources available through the Parent Hub are linked directly to approaches used within school.

This helps create consistency between home and school and enables families to reinforce learning, communication and independence skills through everyday routines and experiences.

By working together, we can help pupils apply their learning across different environments and develop greater confidence and independence over time.

Keeping families informed

The Parent Hub also provides access to important information about school life, helping families stay up to date with developments across the school.

This may include:

  • newsletters,
  • information about events and activities,
  • family support information,
  • guidance from external agencies and services,
  • updates relating to school initiatives and projects.

Accessing the Parent Hub

Details about accessing the Parent Hub are shared directly with parents and carers.

If you require support accessing resources or would like further information, please contact the school office.

Working together

Our Parent Hub reflects our commitment to working in partnership with families.

By providing information, training and practical support, we aim to ensure that parents and carers feel informed, empowered and confident in supporting their child's development both at home and at school.