SEND school

Waterside School Formerly North Bridge - Doncaster

Places Available Middle Bank, Doncaster, UK

We are proud to work with young people who benefit from a personalised, supportive, and bespoke educational experience. Every learner who joins us brings unique strengths, aspirations, and potential, and it is our privilege to help them rediscover a sense of belonging, purpose, and success.

About

About Waterside School Formerly North Bridge - Doncaster

At Waterside School, we provide both academic and vocational learning opportunities for young people aged 12–16 with a range of complex, social, and emotional needs. Every student is at the heart of everything we do. We are fully committed to delivering specialist, personalised support to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential and broaden their life choices beyond the age of 16.

  • Headteacher: Steve Richardson

  • Chair of Governors: James Madine

  • Proprietor: Keys Educational Services Limited

  • Ofsted: View report

  • Address: Middle Bank, Doncaster, UK

  • Phone number: 01302 367005


Resources

Documents & downloads

Looking for an older Ofsted report? View all Ofsted reports

Useful information

Common questions

Who is Waterside School suitable for?

Waterside School provides specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who benefit from a personalised, supportive and nurturing learning environment.

What special educational needs does Waterside School support?

The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, communication difficulties, attachment needs and associated learning challenges.

Can Waterside School be named in an EHCP?

Yes. Waterside School accepts pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Referrals are typically made through local authorities, although families and professionals are welcome to contact the school directly to discuss placements.

What makes Waterside School different from a mainstream school?

Waterside School offers smaller class sizes, specialist teaching and personalised support programmes that help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive academic, social and emotional outcomes.

How does Waterside School support pupils with autism?

The school provides structured routines, predictable learning environments and tailored interventions that help autistic pupils develop communication skills, confidence, emotional regulation and independence.

What curriculum does Waterside School offer?

Waterside School delivers a broad and balanced curriculum that combines academic learning with personal development, emotional wellbeing, life skills and preparation for future opportunities.

What are class sizes like at Waterside School?

Smaller class sizes enable staff to provide more personalised teaching, targeted interventions and individual support, helping pupils engage positively with their learning.

How does Waterside School support positive behaviour?

The school adopts a positive and therapeutic approach to behaviour support, helping pupils understand their emotions, develop self-regulation skills and build positive relationships with others.

Are enrichment activities available?

Absolutely. Pupils have access to a range of enrichment activities that support confidence, independence, social development, creativity and wider life experiences.

Can families visit Waterside School before making a referral?

Yes. Families, local authorities and professionals are encouraged to arrange a visit to meet the team, explore the school environment and discuss individual pupil needs.

How does Waterside School prepare pupils for the future?

The school supports pupils in developing the academic, social and practical life skills needed to progress into further education, training, employment and adult life with confidence.

Make a referral

Tell us about the person and what they need, and our team will talk through availability and the next steps.


Connected Support

Support centred around each individual.

We call it Connected Support.

A network of Care, Education and Health services for children, young people and adults, seamlessly connecting specialist schools, alternative learning solutions, children’s homes, adult residential, supported living and health services and expertise.

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