School

Specialist Education for Children Aged 2–9

At First Bridge School, we provide a nurturing, structured environment for children with autism and related developmental needs.

Our specialist environment provides a form of SEN education that bridges the gap between therapy and school, giving children the tools to succeed both academically and socially.

To support children aged 2 to 9, we offer two distinct but connected pathways: Early Years (ages 2–5) and School Age (ages 4–9). Each stage blends evidence-based therapeutic practice with high-quality education, ensuring every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Early Years (Ages 2–5)

Helping Your Child Thrive from the Very Start

Our Early Years programme combines the structure and care of a nursery with the personalised support of 1:1 Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, often considered the gold standard in autism early intervention. Children learn within a safe, nurturing environment that has been purpose-built to meet their needs.

  • Individualised ABA programmes delivered through early intensive behavioural intervention.
  • A blend of EYFS curriculum and ABA ensures a comprehensive, child-centred approach.
  • Bright classrooms, engaging play spaces, and an outdoor sensory garden encourage language, motor, social, and independence skills.
  • Therapy is integrated into daily routines such as group time, circle time, and self-care activities, making learning meaningful and fun.

Our aim is to give every child the best possible start, supporting them in communication, play, behaviour, and learning, while preparing them for the next stage of their educational journey.

School Age (Ages 4–9)

A Specialist SEND School in London

First Bridge School is an independent specialist setting registered with the Department for Education (URN: 149762). We deliver a highly individualised education for children aged 4–9, underpinned by therapeutic support and a modified National Curriculum.

  • Low-arousal, SEND adapted classrooms with small class sizes.
  • High staff ratios (1:1 or 1:2) to ensure tailored learning and wellbeing.
  • Integrated support from ABA professionals and allied health teams.
  • Structured daily routines that balance academic development with emotional regulation and independence.

Curriculum Highlights:

  • English: reading, phonics, handwriting, comprehension, expressive language.
  • Mathematics: number sense, shapes, money, time, and problem-solving.
  • Science: practical exploration linked to nature and seasons.
  • Art & Design, PE, History, Geography, Music, and Languages.
  • Food Technology as part of our functional curriculum.
  • PSHE to develop emotional literacy, social skills, and world understanding.

Therapeutic best practice is embedded throughout the school day, including positive behaviour support, communication strategies (AAC, PECS), and close collaboration with families.

A Unified Approach

Across both our Early Years and School Age provision, First Bridge School is built around the principle that every child deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated. Our team works in partnership with families to build not only academic and practical skills, but also confidence, joy, and long-term independence.

Admissions

Choosing the right setting for a child with special educational needs is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At First Bridge School, we offer a clear admissions process, including a comprehensive suitability assessment, classroom observation, and transition planning where needed.

Families often search for ABA schools in London that combine therapeutic expertise with a nurturing environment and First Bridge Education is proud to stand out as a setting where children can truly thrive.

Our friendly admissions team are always happy to help. Contact us to arrange a show around or for more information.

Contact Us

    Visit First Bridge School

    Want to see how we can support your child’s journey? Come and experience First Bridge School for yourself.

    We offer a free personalised show around where you can meet our team, explore our purpose-built spaces, and ask any questions about our ABA therapy and early intervention programmes.

    Contact us below to arrange your visit, we’re here to help every step of the way.

    Find Us

    Chelsea

    Imperial Wharf, London

    Our School is located in a quiet residential area of Imperial Wharf in Chelsea, London, and is easily accessible by public transport.

    IMPERIAL WHARF STATION

    1-minute walk

    FULHAM BROADWAY STATION

    15-minute walk

    Empowering Progress: What ABA Therapy Can Do for Your Child

    Our expert-written blogs are packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and evidence-based insights to support you and your child.

    How to Advocate for Your Child

    If you are navigating the EHCP process, you may already feel exhausted. The paperwork feels relentless. The terminology can seem technical. Statutory timelines stretch on. When you are trying to secure the right support for your child, every delay feels deeply...

    Special Educational Needs & Neurodiversity Celebration Week

    Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a powerful reminder that difference is not something to fix. It is something to understand, respect and nurture. However, for many families of children with special education needs, the journey can feel complex. Navigating...

    First Bridge School

    A Specialist School for Autism and Special Educational Needs in London Finding the right school for your child can feel overwhelming. You may have spent months researching special educational needs provision, speaking with your local authority, reviewing EHCP options,...

    The Power of Play: Therapeutic Learning for Children with Autism

    Therapeutic learning is a structured, evidence-based approach that integrates applied behaviour analysis with education, using purposeful play to develop communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and independence in children aged 2 to 9.Webinar: The Power of...

    What To Look for When Choosing a Specialist Autism School

    If you are exploring autism schools for your child, you may be carrying a lot of questions alongside a lot of emotions. For many families, the search goes beyond education and centres on finding a place where your child feels safe, understood, and supported as they...

    Autism Friendly Nurseries

    Choosing a nursery setting for an autistic child is rarely just about convenience. For many families, it is about finding an environment that genuinely understands autism and responds with intention, individualised care and expertise. The early years play a critical...

    A Guide to ABA Schools in London

    For parents exploring ABA schools in London, the process can feel overwhelming. Different schools may use the term ABA-led in very different ways and understanding what this actually means for your child’s day-to-day experience is essential.This guide is designed to...

    What is ABA Therapy, and is it Right for Your Child?

    When exploring support options for a neurodivergent child, it is common for parents to encounter ABA therapy. It is widely discussed, often misunderstood, and can feel overwhelming to navigate without clear, balanced information.Here, we explore what ABA therapy...

    Designing Education for Autism

    Supporting a young child’s development can feel overwhelming when you are trying to understand what specialist autism education should look like. You may wonder which learning environment will help your child feel settled, how staff will communicate with them and how...

    Why Early Intervention Matters for Development

    When you first begin to notice differences in your child’s communication, play, or behaviour, it is natural to feel uncertain. Families often tell us that this stage feels both hopeful and overwhelming at the same time. You want to give your child the best possible...