Telephone: 01234 745200 Email: rivertree@biltt.org
Rivertree Free School is part of Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust
Company Number: 08156641
What’s on at Rivertree
2024 - 2025
Headfest
A HUGE thank you to all the children, teachers, parents, support staff and workshop providers involved in this year’s Headfest event at Rivertree Free School in Kempston.
Headfest is all about supporting positive mental health and wellbeing and it’s run by BBC Three Counties Radio.
Our workshops included Mr Bloom from CBeebies, Yussef Rafik from Bugface | BBC Earth, Ragdolly Annas, Imagination Dance, Encore Football, illustrator Katie Allen and Animal Edge who came with their mobile farm.
A fun day for all
It was wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves at our workshops. Whether they were looking at the bugs brought in by Yussef, stroking Bobby the very popular pony, playing ball games or dancing in the halls, there were lots of smiles. We even had some very happy chickens who laid 3 eggs while they were with us.
The event was covered by the BBC’s online team.
Here’s a friendly face you may
recognise!…. There’s also a video that appeared on BBC Look East click here to watch it
You can watch more of Mr Bloom here a Mr Bloom’s Nursery
You may know this already but, in case you don’t, the BBC provides a number of resources that focus on positive mental health and wellbeing.
BBC Moodboosters
The Pudsey Pause
Pudsey’s Parent Club – BBC Children in Need
If you have time, please click on the links and have a look.
Rivertree Officially Opens
This Monday (10th February 2025), Rivertree Free School officially opens, welcoming 60 pupils into a groundbreaking specialist provision designed to transform the educational experience for children with EHCPs.
Located in Bedford, Rivertree offers state-of-the-art facilities, a highly personalised curriculum, and a nurturing environment, ensuring that every pupil receives the tailored support they need to thrive. The school has been carefully designed to provide therapeutic interventions, life skills opportunities, and a holistic approach to SEND education.
Catherine Assink, CEO of Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust, expressed her excitement: “Rivertree Free School represents a huge step forward in specialist education. We have worked tirelessly to create an exceptional learning environment where pupils feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Staff have spent a significant amount of time getting ready for Monday, after a long delay. We cannot wait to hear the corridors and classes filled with excited little voices.”
Clare Breare, Headteacher of Rivertree, added: “We are thrilled to finally welcome our first cohort of pupils. Rivertree is going to be more than just a school — it’s a going to be a community where every child can dream, discover and develop. Our staff and families know that their confidence, independence, and aspirations for the future will be extremely well catered for. “
With high demand for specialist placements across Bedford and surrounding counties, the opening of Rivertree Free School is a significant milestone for local families. The school’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality education ensures that pupils will have the best possible foundation for success.
As the doors open on Monday, the journey begins for pupils, staff, and families alike—one filled with opportunity, growth, and achievement.