14^th October, 2026

Doors unlocked to brighter future

Keys were handed over to a new provision that will unlock brighter futures for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The Bridgehouse is an extension of a partnership between Waltham Toll Bar Academy, Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust and North East Lincolnshire Council.

The Resource Specialist Provision is the first in a borough secondary setting to provide for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The initiative has been led by academy Vice Principal Nicola Law and follows the opening of The Gatehouse on the New Waltham site, which provides spaces for vulnerable children not in mainstream education.

“The Bridgehouse is a Resource Specialist Provision, a hybrid between a mainstream setting and a specialist school, dedicating time to give targeted support for students” she said.

“It’s specifically for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for SEMH who can spend a significant part of their day learning alongside their peers in regular classrooms,” said Nicola.

“It provides a 70-30 split, so those using it are expected to be in mainstream 70% of the time.

“This provision will provide therapeutic intervention, with the arts playing a key role when accessing the Bridgehouse up to 30% of their day.

“The children will also benefit from mental health specialists from Fortis; external speech, language and communication professionals; and pastoral support from YMCA Humber, which is a new partnership.

“We are excited about these external partnerships supporting us with specialist needs.

“Our team and myself are learning alongside those professionals. I have been working in provisions for children with SEND for 15 years but always say I learn something new every day.

“We adapt and can’t rest on our laurels.”

Two new students will benefit from the provision each half term this academic year, with it eventually providing 12 places by next September.

An existing building has been transformed to create The Bridgehouse.

It will managed by an experienced team and includes specially equipped classrooms for Key Stages 3 and 4, a sensory room and meeting rooms.

Principal Joe Hermiston said it would not have happened without the North East Lincolnshire Council partnership.

“Together, we are building much-needed capacity for children with SEND and we are proud to partner the council with its ambitious approach in support of these young people,” he said.

“I think the local authority team has done an absolutely amazing job renovating the existing building.

“To have this space created so that we can provide the right learning environment to support some of the children in this community.”

For Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, The Bridgehouse will provide continuity for its RSPs in its primary settings at Scartho Gateway Academy and Waltham Gateway Academy.

Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said: “We are proud of this provision and our commitment across the Trust to provide an inclusive environment where all young people can thrive.

“I’d also like to thank North East Lincolnshire Council for its continuing support and we look forward to increased numbers of children benefitting from this facility.”

The keys were handed over to Waltham Toll Bar Academy by Jennifer Steel, Service Director - Education, Inclusion and Integration at North East Lincolnshire Council.

She said: “Settings like this one are already supporting so many young people across our area with innovative approaches to education.

“It’s absolutely vital that every child has access to good quality education that supports their needs, and RSPs help to ensure that those children with additional needs can access that extra support when they need it.

“That’s why I’m really pleased to be able to hand over the keys today to Waltham Toll Bar. We wish them all the best with their new site, and we look forward to seeing lots of young people thrive at The Bridgehouse.”

Jennifer Steel (centre), North East Lincolnshire Council’s Service Director - Education, Inclusion and Integration, with Waltham Toll Bar Academy’s Principal Joe Hermiston and Vice Principal Nicola Law inside The Bridgehouse.