At Riverside Bridge School, admissions are managed through the Local Authority to ensure that placements are appropriate, carefully considered and able to meet each pupil's individual needs.
We are a specialist school for pupils aged 4–18 with severe, profound and complex learning needs. All pupils attending Riverside Bridge School have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or are undergoing statutory assessment.
How do admissions work?
Parents and carers cannot apply directly for a place at Riverside Bridge School.
Admissions are coordinated through the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham's Education, Health and Care (EHC) Team as part of the statutory EHCP process.
A pupil can only be admitted to Riverside Bridge School when the school is named in their Education, Health and Care Plan.
When the Local Authority consults the school about a potential placement, we carefully review the information provided to determine whether we can meet the pupil's needs and whether an appropriate place is available.
All decisions are made in partnership with the Local Authority and in accordance with statutory guidance.
Who do we support?
Riverside Bridge School supports pupils with a wide range of complex special educational needs and disabilities.
This may include pupils with:
- severe, profound or complex learning difficulties
- autism
- speech, language and communication needs
- sensory needs
- physical disabilities
- medical needs
- social, emotional and mental health needs associated with complex SEND
Every pupil is considered individually to ensure that the provision available can meet their needs effectively.
Visiting the school
We welcome enquiries from families who would like to learn more about our provision.
Visits provide an opportunity to see the school, meet staff and gain a better understanding of our curriculum, pathways and specialist provision.
Please note that visiting the school does not form part of the admissions process and does not guarantee a placement. All placement decisions are made through the Local Authority.
Transition and starting school
Where a placement is agreed, we work closely with families and professionals to ensure a positive and successful transition into Riverside Bridge School.
This may include:
- visits to the pupil's current setting
- transition visits to Riverside Bridge School
- meetings with parents and carers
- sharing key information and support plans
- personalised transition arrangements where required
Our aim is to ensure that pupils feel safe, supported and ready to begin their journey with us.
Further information
For information about admissions and the EHCP process, please contact the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham EHC Team:
Telephone: 020 8227 2400
Email: ehcenquiries@lbbd.gov.uk
For general enquiries about Riverside Bridge School, please contact the school office.
At Riverside Bridge School, we are committed to ensuring that every placement is carefully planned and that pupils and families receive the support they need for a successful transition into school.
At Riverside Bridge School, we are committed to ensuring that all admissions are handled carefully, transparently and in the best interests of each pupil.
We work closely with families, professionals and the Local Authority to ensure that every placement is appropriate, supportive and successful.