DDSL and Welfare Officer

Who are we?

Riverside Bridge School is a vibrant and inclusive special school located in the heart of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Opened in September 2015, our school serves families and pupils from across the local area and beyond, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people aged 4-18 with a wide range of complex needs.

Our pupils come to us with diverse needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, and Severe Learning Difficulties. However, despite their individual challenges, we are committed to enabling each and every one of our pupils to thrive, develop, and lead fulfilling, happy, and as independent a life as possible.

Through our innovative 'Flow' curriculum, tailored to the unique needs of our learners, we strive to foster spontaneous communication, emotional regulation, and a love of learning. Our dedicated team of professionals work tirelessly to create an environment where our pupils can succeed, build confidence, and make meaningful connections with the world around them.

What makes Riverside Bridge School a truly exceptional place to work in?

At Riverside Bridge School, we value our staff immensely. Each member of our team plays an integral role in our school, contributing to the enriching learning experiences we provide for our pupils. We firmly believe that a supportive and engaging environment for our staff directly translates into the best possible outcomes for our pupils.

Here are some key aspects that underscore our commitment to staff development and well-being:

• specialised curriculum and teaching methods designed to create a rewarding and fulfilling environment for our staff, allowing you to thrive in your professional journey;
• regular training opportunities providing both internal and external training sessions to ensure that our staff are continually developing their skills and knowledge;
• contemporary facilities that support both pupils and staff in delivering outstanding learning experiences;
• a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a genuinely positive culture where everyone is welcomed, listened to, and encouraged to work together.
• well-being initiatives designed to help staff feel supported and engaged in their roles, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Joining Riverside Bridge School means becoming part of a dedicated team that is committed to both your professional growth and the well-being of our pupils. You will have the chance to make a lasting impact on our exceptional pupils' lives.

Professional Development

Riverside Bridge School is committed to supporting the professional development of all its staff. The school provides all staff with opportunities to attend training sessions relevant to their position, participate in peer-to-peer learning, and engage in reflective practice to continually improve their skills and knowledge. All staff are also encouraged to take on additional responsibilities and projects that align with their career aspirations and the school's strategic priorities, if they wish.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is of paramount importance at Riverside Bridge School. All staff play a critical role in safeguarding all pupils and are expected to:

• adhere to the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures, as well as relevant statutory guidance, e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education;
• report any concerns to the Safeguarding Team;
• collaborate with the Safeguarding Team to ensure the best interests of pupils are prioritised;
• promote a culture of safeguarding and child protection throughout the school community;
• undertake regular safeguarding training to ensure knowledge and understanding of the school's policies and procedures are up-to-date.

Riverside Bridge School is part of the Multi-Academy Trust, Partnership Learning. http://www.partnershiplearning.com/

Riverside Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A criminal record check via the DBS will be undertaken for any successful candidate.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a comprehensive screening process, including a disclosure check, will be undertaken on all applicants.