First Bridge

12/12/2025

When the decorations go up… the joy goes up too! 🙌✨

10/12/2025

We’re proud to share a new article written by Mikaela Green, MSc., BCBA, our School Principal and Clinical Director at First Bridge Education.

Mikaela is a highly experienced and passionate BCBA® who has spent over 20 years working in Applied Behaviour Analysis within education and early childhood development. Her background includes serving on the Board of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis, supporting multi and interdisciplinary teams, and guiding families through every stage of the EHCP process.

In this piece, Mikaela explores how evidence based practice aligns with the EYFS, and how ABA principles can strengthen early years environments. She highlights practical strategies that help young children learn with confidence, including breaking skills into manageable steps, using consistent routines, and reinforcing progress in ways that feel safe and encouraging.

If you would like to understand how these principles support young children day to day, you can listen to the podcast or read her full article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/integrating-evidence-based-practice-into-the-early-years-curriculum-how-aba-principles-align-with-the-eyfs/

At First Bridge Education, Mikaela’s leadership and research continues to guide our approach for children aged 2 to 9, ensuring our school remains nurturing, structured and individually responsive.

If you would like to learn more about our provision or speak with our team, we would be glad to help.

This article and podcast episode explore how Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles can be understood through EYFS language and practice. We show how strategies such as breaking learning into small steps, celebrating success, and creating enabling environments align seamlessly with EYFS priorit...

07/08/2025

💙 “Life-changing.”
This heartfelt message from one of our alumni families means the world to us.

We are deeply grateful to our community, to every family who places their trust in us, and every child whose journey we get to be part of. The greatest joy comes when a child leaves First Bridge thriving, confident, and ready for the next step.

The joy of seeing our children flourish long after they leave our care is what keeps us going. Thank you to our families for trusting us with that journey.

Learn more about our early years and school-age provision: https://www.firstbridgecentre.com

01/08/2025

We are incredibly proud of our Talk Education review! 💬

They described our understanding of autism and developmental delay as “second to none” and praised our holistic, evidence-based approach that helps children thrive.

At First Bridge Education, every child’s journey matters. 💙

Read the review in full here https://www.talkeducation.com/school/first-bridge-nursery/3012

30/07/2025

FREE Webinar: Early Intervention: Why Timing Matters

The earlier we act, the greater the impact.

At First Bridge Education, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, and that means recognising the critical window where early support can unlock lifelong potential.

Join us for a free webinar:

🗓️ Early Intervention: Why Timing Matters

📍 Online | 🎟️ Free

📅 20/08/2025 | ⏰ 18:00

🎤 Hosted by our Clinical Director, Mikaela Green, MSc., BCBA

We will explore:

🔹 Why the first 5 years are crucial for brain development

🔹 What evidence shows about starting ABA therapy early

🔹 How to recognise signs that your child may need support

🔹 Real-world outcomes of early intervention in action

🧠 Backed by science. Driven by care. Reserve your place now:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/early-intervention-why-timing-matters-tickets-1495785186759?aff=oddtdtcreator

💡 For more insights on the critical importance of early intervention, check out our blog: https://www.firstbridgecentre.com/unlocking-potential-the-critical-importance-of-starting-aba-therapy-early

28/07/2025

Preparing an autistic child for school is not about changing who they are; it is about building predictability, support, and safety around them.

From setting up a morning routine to meeting the teacher early, there are simple, powerful ways to make the transition smoother.

We have put together key strategies for parents navigating this milestone.
💡 Read the blog → https://www.firstbridgecentre.com/how-do-you-prepare-an-autistic-child-for-school/

📌 Save or share to support another family this September.

23/07/2025

Congratulations to Illana on achieving her Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification with City & Guilds!

At First Bridge Education, we believe that high-quality care starts with highly qualified staff. Every milestone like this means your child is supported by skilled, passionate professionals who are committed to helping them thrive.

With a minimum of 70 hours of in-house training, regular supervision from our team of BCBAs, and continued professional development opportunities, our team is always striving to provide the best support for our pupils.

22/07/2025

How do you choose the right SEN nursery for your child?

Choosing the right SEN nursery can feel overwhelming, and that’s why we've created this guide, which offers clarity, compassion, and proven best practices.

From evaluating staff qualifications and environment, to understanding safety protocols and inclusion, this piece empowers every parent to make an informed, confident decision.

Check out our guide on choosing the right SEN nursery on our blog!
https://www.firstbridgecentre.com/choosing-the-right-sen-nursery-a-guide-for-parents/

14/07/2025

There is still time to register for our FREE webinar this Wednesday!

Join us for an expert-led session with our School Principal and Clinical Director, Mikaela Green, MSc., BCBA, as she explores key developmental milestones for children aged 0–48 months.

With over 20 years of experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Mikaela brings deep insight into how early developmental patterns shape learning and behaviour. This webinar is ideal for parents, carers, and professionals seeking to better understand the building blocks of early childhood development.

Register here ---> https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/baby-and-toddler-development-milestones-what-to-expect-from-048-months-tickets-1407179233969

10/07/2025

At First Bridge Nursery, sensory water play is not just a summer favourite, it is a year round part of how we support early development.

While our children scoop, pour, and splash, they learn the early foundations of classroom attention: tuning in, staying with an activity, and sharing focus with an adult or peer.

At First Bridge, we create environments where attention can grow, with warmth, structure, and lots of bubbles.

09/07/2025

🧪🌿 Celery science in action!

This hands-on experiment had our children giggling and learning as they explored how plants absorb water through their stems.

At the same time, this activity nurtured early attention skills and marked the beginnings of participation in structured science experiments. From noticing changes to making simple predictions, children are building the foundations for scientific thinking.