Keys to Successful Learning

Kelisha Naidoo, Head of Therapy: The Bridge Assisted Learning School Lonehill • 6 December 2023

During the first seven foundation years, children are exposed to a multiplicity of different stimuli in their environments. While having to contend with the actions of the people around them as well as changes in their bodies as they grow, they also have to learn how to function in society, as well as how to manage their basic needs for survival. When these conditions are erratic and they receive different responses to similar situations, it may create anxiety and frustration.

This is where we as parents and guardians have a decisive role to play, to guide them in their understanding of and response to the world.

Creating structure by means of routines and clear expectations allows for a sense of safety in children. It provides them with a set of conditions that are predictable and leaves little room for misunderstandings and/or anxiety. By being consistent with routines, rules and responses to behaviours in all environments, children feel a sense of safety, stability and confidence, which are all essential qualities for learning and development to take place.

While creating structure and consistency might not be as easy as it sounds, there are a few simple ways to create a sense of safety for children:

Develop and follow routines WITH your child.
Develop rules and consequences WITH your child.
Follow through with consequences to breaking rules, repeatedly.
Be consistent with responses to behaviours.
Give praise for behaviours that are considered acceptable.
Give explanations for negative responses when behaviours are unacceptable.

By practising these habits together with your child, and creating psychological and emotional safety, your child will be better able to navigate unexpected challenges in their environment with resilience. This equips them to engage in developmentally appropriate learning and socio-emotional activities.

At The Bridge Assisted Learning School, our smaller classes allow for teachers to create a more structured environment that includes the children, to ensure a thorough understanding of their expectations. We use variety of modalities to familiarise the children with their daily schedules, to reduce anxiety levels and inconsistencies.

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Neurodiversity Summit: The Bridge Morningside

by Tashka (Tash) Munisamy • 25 August 2025

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and respects neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—as natural forms of human diversity. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, the neurodiversity paradigm promotes inclusion, understanding, and tailored support to help each learner thrive. In a school context, this means shifting from a “one-size-fits-all” model to a flexible, responsive approach that honours individual learning styles, communication needs, and emotional development. At The Bridge School, we believe in embracing the diversity of every learner’s potential through a neurodiverse educational philosophy. Our approach includes customised learning paths that adapt teaching methods to suit individual strengths and challenges. We foster a safe, nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported, ensuring their academic, emotional, and social growth. Our dedicated team of experienced teachers and therapists works collaboratively to meet each student’s unique needs. With a multidisciplinary team—including specialist teachers, speech and occupational therapists, and educational psychologists—we offer integrated classroom support and holistic development. We are proud to launch our very first Neurodiversity Summit—a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping educators with practical, sustainable strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners. This event served as a platform for experts in the neurodiversity space to share insights, tools, and approaches to managing emotional and behavioural challenges in inclusive classroom settings. Our goal is to create greater awareness of neurodiverse learners and highlight the innovative work happening at The Bridge School. The summit featured four dynamic presentations: DIR Floortime South Africa unpacked the DIR model, sensory processing needs, and practical ways to support transitions using relationship-based interventions. A Parent Perspective will provide a heartfelt account of the importance of communication and collaboration between parents and educators in supporting neurodiverse learners. Tash Munisamy, Lead Occupational Therapist at The Bridge School, shared practical tips on emotional and behavioural management from a regulation-based perspective—including strategies for educators to enhance their own self-regulation. Katlego Mantsho & Tandzile Makobe, Speech Therapists at The Bridge School, provided hands-on behavioural management strategies grounded in communication development. With a vision to build a vibrant, supportive community, this summit delivered in it’s promise to be colourful, engaging, and deeply practical—knowledge was shared, collaboration was fostered, and inclusion was celebrated. Key Features of The Bridge School: - Personalised Learning Plans - Continuous Evaluation - Inclusive Culture