Orchard House

Orchard House is a county-wide education provision for young people in Years 7 to 11 whose mental health needs currently prevent them from attending their mainstream school.  Placements are short-term and focus on supporting students to re-engage with learning in a small, inclusive and therapeutic environment.

Orchard House offers a calm and nurturing setting designed to reduce anxiety and promote emotional wellbeing.  The environment is structured to support students who may find mainstream settings overwhelming, with a focus on building trust, safety and positive relationships.  Staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches and emotional regulation strategies to help students feel secure and ready to learn.

 Students attend in Key Stage cohorts, either in the morning or afternoon. The curriculum includes:

• Core subjects (English, Maths, Science)
• Art
• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education)
• A fortnightly reflective and wellbeing session focused on building resilience and preparing for reintegration into full-time education

 In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), students also receive careers education and transition support.

Students are taught in small groups, allowing staff to build strong relationships and personalise learning.  Teaching is responsive to individual needs, with continuous formative assessment that considers each student’s physical, emotional and medical circumstances.  This informs planning and supports progress.

Our Family Liaison Officer works closely with students and families, particularly where safeguarding plans are in place. Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have personalised learning plans, and regular reviews are held with parents/carers, home schools and multi-agency professionals.  Where appropriate, students are supported through the EHCP assessment process.

 Orchard House supports students with reintegration into their home school or transition to a suitable alternative provision. We also offer guidance to schools on how specific medical and mental health needs may affect a student’s behaviour and academic progress.

Referrals must be completed by the student’s current mainstream setting.  Referrals will be considered for the following reasons:

• The student is receiving support from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
• The student’s mental health is significantly impacting their ability to attend their mainstream school.
• The student is experiencing EBSNA (Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance)

Please use the ‘Referrals and Charges’ button below to complete a referral for Orchard House.

Referrals & Charges