Dousland specialist school welcomes local community for public open day

Heather Bridge School, an institution run by Spaghetti Bridge, is inviting the public to its upcoming Open Day on Thursday, January 25, from 4pm to 6pm.

Located in Dousland near Yelverton, this specialist school caters to students facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, autism, and associated needs.

Following a successful Open Day in September, Heather Bridge School is once again opening its doors to friends, neighbours, the local community, and those in the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community.

Prospective parents and carers are also encouraged to attend. The event will provide the local community and potential pupils an opportunity to tour the school and engage with the team, who will be available to answer questions regarding admissions and the school's unique three-phase curriculum known as Enterprise Learning.

Heather Bridge School is part of the Spaghetti Bridge group, which has opened six schools in the West Country, serving Plymouth and its surrounding areas.

Nestled within Dartmoor National Park, the school benefits from a serene location surrounded by picturesque moorland. Its proximity to Plymouth allows students to connect with a diverse community, enhancing Spaghetti Bridge's distinctive curriculum of experiential and project-based learning.

Kasim Langmead, Headteacher of Heather Bridge School, expressed the school's mission: "At Heather Bridge School, we provide an environment where young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges can grow in confidence and develop a love for learning. Our location in Dartmoor supports our therapeutic, holistic approach, immersed in real-world working environments."

The school boasts a unique site featuring a paddock, stable, courtyards, spacious green areas, and a large market garden, aligning with its therapeutic and immersive educational approach. Langmead highlighted the commitment of the staff to support students in setting and reaching ambitious aspirations.

Spaghetti Bridge, as an independent school group, is known for its progressive and research-based approach, catering to young people with Education, Health Care Plans for whom mainstream education may not be suitable.

Their 'Enterprise Learning' curriculum places children as active participants in a structured project-based process aimed at answering real-world questions collaboratively. 

As students go through this process, they get support in building strong connections. This is done through a 'Three Stage Curriculum' that focuses on making students feel safe, forming meaningful relationships, and building trust, which are important for their learning.

The curriculum also gives students the chance to earn different qualifications, from basic skills to GCSEs. Everyone involved, including Ofsted, has appreciated the unique curriculum and the support it provides.

Spaghetti Bridge owns three schools servicing Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall, including Chapel Bridge School in Plymouth and Preston Bridge School with two sites in Paignton. All schools regularly host open evenings and tours for prospective parents, with the admissions process running throughout the year.

To attend Heather Bridge School’s Open Day, register your interest here. 

 For more information about Spaghetti Bridge and its schools, visit their website: http://www.spaghettibridge.co.uk