An innovative Early Intervention Support Service is delivering clear benefits for younger pupils, with plans now approved to extend the approach to secondary school learners across Aberdeen.
Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee on Thursday 2 July agreed that the Primary Bridge Support Service should continue, with further improvements introduced based on learning from its first year. Members also approved plans to establish a Secondary Early Intervention Support Service, to be known as the Secondary Bridge.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It is encouraging to see the positive impact the Primary Bridge is having on children and families. Early intervention is key, and this approach is helping pupils feel more confident, supported and able to thrive in their school communities.
“Building on this success, the Secondary Bridge will provide earlier, targeted support for young people at risk of disengaging from school, helping them overcome barriers and remain connected to their education.”
Councillor Lee Fairfull, vice convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “The Primary Bridge is a strong example of how collaboration between families, schools and support services can deliver meaningful improvements in outcomes for children.
“The development of the Secondary Bridge reflects what schools and families have told us is needed and will strengthen inclusive practice across our education system.”
The Primary Bridge Support Service supports a small number of pupils who face significant barriers to attending, engaging and progressing in their mainstream school. It works closely with children, families and schools to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to sustain inclusive placements.
Evaluation evidence, including analysis by the Educational Psychology Service, highlights strong and, in many cases, transformational outcomes. Improvements have been seen in emotional regulation, communication, engagement and overall wellbeing, enabling children to participate more meaningfully in their learning.
The service’s relational, trauma-informed approach has been key to its success, helping children feel safe, understood and valued. This has supported positive relationships and, in some cases, full reintegration into mainstream school. Families have reported increased confidence and improved understanding of their child’s needs, while schools have benefited from strengthened skills and inclusive practice.
Learning from the Primary Bridge has informed the development of the Secondary Bridge, which will support pupils from P7 to S3 whose participation in school is becoming fragile or declining. These young people may experience challenges such as reduced attendance, heightened anxiety and behaviour linked to distress, which can lead to disengagement if not addressed early.
The Secondary Bridge will provide a flexible, individualised approach, with young people spending time both within the service and their home school. This dual approach will support tailored interventions while ensuring progress is sustained within mainstream education.
A key focus will be on strengthening the capacity of schools, with coaching, modelling and practical support for staff alongside strong partnerships with families and partners to ensure a consistent, joined-up approach.
Around 48 learners are expected to be supported at any one time through small groups, with highly personalised plans focused on improving wellbeing, increasing engagement and supporting positive transitions back to full-time mainstream education.
Both services will continue to be underpinned by ongoing evaluation to ensure learning informs continuous improvement. A further evaluation of the Primary Bridge will be brought back to committee by the end of 2028, with an initial evaluation of the Secondary Bridge Support Services expected within one year.
Together, the Primary and Secondary Bridge models form a key part of Aberdeen’s approach to early intervention, helping ensure more children and young people receive the right support at the right time and remain connected to their school communities.
The reports presented to the Education and Children’s Services Committee can be viewed here.