Young people across Cambridgeshire are being supported to make a positive transition to secondary school through the bridge programme, a therapeutic outreach initiative delivered by OA-Cambridge and OA-Nene Valley.
Funded by The Evelyn Trust, this is the first year the programme has been delivered across multiple schools by both academies with the charity’s support, helping Year 6 pupils develop the confidence, resilience and emotional skills needed for a successful transition into Year 7.
The bridge programme consists of five sessions during the summer term of Year 6, followed by a further five sessions once pupils begin secondary school in the autumn. The first phase focuses on preparing students for the move ahead, helping them explore their thoughts and emotions while building practical strategies to navigate change with confidence.
The programme forms part of a wider Evelyn Trust-funded initiative that brings together partners across education, health, wellbeing and community sectors to improve outcomes for Cambridgeshire’s most vulnerable children and young people. By embedding early intervention and therapeutic support within school settings, the programme aims to prevent exclusions and reduce long-term pressures on health and education services.
This year, 41 pupils are taking part in the programme with 25 pupils attending four groups delivered by OA-Cambridge and 16 pupils participating across two groups delivered by OA-Nene Valley.
Attendance across the programme has been 91% so far, across both OA-Cambridge and OA-Nene Valley, reflecting the strong engagement shown by pupils and families during this first phase of the programme.
Delivered in small groups, the programme is underpinned by Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and uses the PACE approach – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy – creating a safe, supportive environment where pupils can express themselves, explore their feelings and build trusted relationships with both peers and staff.
Through creative, play-based and therapeutic activities, alongside child-led conversations, pupils are encouraged to develop emotional awareness, strengthen communication skills, build resilience and improve self-regulation. By working together with other pupils who will be attending the same secondary school, participants also begin forming friendships and support networks before they even start Year 7.
The programme forms part of Olive Academies' wider commitment to early intervention and inclusion, recognising that positive transitions can play a significant role in improving wellbeing, engagement and long-term educational outcomes.
Now in its fourth year at OA-Cambridge and second year at OA-Nene Valley, the programme continues to grow in impact. This year also marks the first time delivery has been supported through funding from The Evelyn Trust, enabling even more young people to benefit from targeted transition support.
Pupils will reunite in the autumn term for the second phase of the programme, building on the relationships, confidence and coping strategies developed over the summer as they settle into life at secondary school.
Thanks to The Evelyn Trust for its generous support in making this year's programme possible and helping more young people experience a positive, confident transition into secondary education.