Learning at First Bridge
Our Approach To The Curriculum
Integrating the National Curriculum with Individualised Learning Pathways
At First Bridge School we blend the rigour of the National Curriculum with the flexibility and precision of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Our approach is rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to a broad, balanced education, delivered in a way that is developmentally appropriate, functional, and meaningful.
Core Curriculum with Integrated Therapy
We cover all National Curriculum subjects typically taught in Early Years, Key Stage 1, and Lower Key Stage 2, including:
English
Our English curriculum is delivered through Read Write Inc Phonics, the Sensible Pencil writing programme, and structured reading and spelling activities tailored to each child’s current developmental stage.
Mathematics
Focused on foundational number skills, space and shape, time, and problem-solving, following a mastery-based progression built around functional application and real-life context.
Science
Delivered through active, sensory-rich exploration, pupils engage in seasonal topics such as animals, materials, and electricity using inquiry-based learning.
PSHEE
Aligned with DfE guidance, our PSHEE programme includes relationships, health, safeguarding, and citizenship, supporting emotional regulation and social development.
Wider Curriculum
Including Art, PE, History, Geography and Music taught through immersive events, group projects, and specialist-led sessions.
Food Technology
A key part of our functional curriculum, Food Tech gives pupils weekly opportunities to explore food preparation, cooking, and safety through hands-on experiences. Activities are tailored to each child’s sensory profile and motor skills, helping them build independence, follow routines, and develop real-life skills such as measuring, mixing, and using kitchen tools safely. Themes are taught on a two-year rotation and include snack-making, breakfast prep, meal planning, and cooking with adult supervision.
Personalised Learning Pathways
Pupils at First Bridge are grouped into three learning pathways, Foundations, Structures, and Formations, based on their developmental profiles, communication needs, and readiness to learn in a group setting.
- Foundations focuses on early skills: communication, sensory regulation, play, and motor development.
- Structures introduces the functional building blocks of learning: following group routines, task engagement, early academics, and communication generalisation.
- Formations supports children in accessing the broader curriculum with increased independence, exploring subject-specific learning in more depth.
Every child follows a fully individualised programme that incorporates targets from their EHCP (if applicable), Individual Education Plan (IEP), and therapy goals, ensuring progress is holistic and coordinated.
Differentiated Delivery by Design
Whether a child is learning to tolerate new textures in Food Tech, developing gross motor skills through yoga, or sequencing a story in English, our teaching is broken down into small, measurable steps. We use:
- Naturalistic teaching in meaningful contexts
- Positive reinforcement tailored to each pupil’s motivators
These strategies allow us to tailor delivery not just by year group, but by ability, interest, and therapeutic need.
Accessibility for All
Every subject is adapted to accommodate sensory processing differences, motor skills needs, and communication profiles. This means using sensory-friendly materials, visual supports, AAC tools, and multi-modal learning opportunities in every lesson.
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 are here to help every step of the way.
Find Us
Chelsea
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.
TERM DATES
