About Three Bridges School

Our School

Three Bridges School is a small independent Special Educational Needs school set in a rural location, near the city of Truro in Cornwall.

Our school works with learners with a broad range of SEND, including Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Social Emotional Mental Health, and Sensory and Physical. We specialise in supporting and educating young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and associated conditions.

We provide a personalised and well-rounded approach to education for learners aged from 11 to 19 years, delivering Key Stage 3 and 4, and Post-16 Education.

Our curriculum is taught in ways which meet the individual needs and interests of each young person. This includes bespoke learning programmes, core curriculum subjects and ASDAN (Award Scheme Development & Accreditation Network), Functional Skills and The Outdoor Curriculum. The curriculum provides academic, practical and independence elements. We encourage our young people to engage in learning experiences, and to challenge and inspire them; we teach the way the student learns.

All learners participate in emotional well-being sessions that are tailored to meet their individual needs. These allow young people to explore and learn what it means to maintain a good, healthy and balanced lifestyle.

These bespoke sessions are designed to support learning from our PSHE curriculum and encourage learners to explore and connect with others and with their environment.

Learners are encouraged to communicate their needs using a variety of methods, including but not limited to, sensory exploration, mindfulness activities, exploring the outdoors and nature, as well as providing opportunities to talk.

Learners can also work 1:1 with trained staff to support with specific challenges in their lives which are often sensitive issues. All of this is done in a collaborative approach with parents.

We offer a range of core therapies to support learners with their learning and developmental needs, including one to one counselling sessions and Speech and Language Therapists.

We know that learning outside the classroom is a highly effective way to engage reluctant learners, allowing a range of educational and vocational activities through focus on practical, independence and environmental skills. A less formal approach also encourages shared learning and building of social skills.

Our Purpose, Mission, Vision and Values are central to everything we do at Three Bridges School

Our Purpose

Our Purpose is to enable every learner to discover and explore their abilities and transition into future opportunities with the confidence and resilience needed for lifelong success.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to provide inspirational, creative and challenging education which meets the needs of all learners in a safe and nurturing environment.

Our Vision

Our Vision is to empower learners to celebrate their individuality, build meaningful relationships, through bespoke learning opportunities, for a bright future.

Our Values

Our Values are to deliver high quality special education provision with responsibility and integrity, equity and respect.

Lisa Smith – Principal

I became the Principal at Three Bridges Education in November 2020. I love what I do, and I work with the most amazing team. The learners and their parents/ carers inspire me every day!

My qualifications include the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and I have worked in the area of special educational needs for most of my career (around 25 years). I have undertaken various roles, gaining lots of experience along the way, although there is always something new to learn!

I was Head of SEND service at Derbyshire County Council before I made the move to beautiful Cornwall. In my spare time, you will mostly find me outdoors, either hiking the coastal path, on my paddle board, having a dip in the sea, or doing a bit of yoga on the beach.

I am passionate about equality and apply person-centred practice to all I do. I work to reduce barriers and increase opportunities and resilience for our young people, helping them to reach their own full potential, have high aspirations and live full and happy lives.

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