Orchard
Welcome to Orchard Class
We are learning to be curious, active learners who show determination and a joy for learning.
Our adults are:
Miss Marray, Miss Crowther and Miss Kenny
Who are we?
Orchard Class is for Reception and KS1 learners, that have been referred to the Meadow Alternative Provision. Our high adult to pupil ratio, allows us to unpick behaviours, face challenges and meet our pupils' unique needs. In doing so, we are able to address barriers to learning and challenge negative mindsets to empower our pupils to make positive choices and feel proud of themselves. By working closely with schools and families, our pupils receive the same clear message, we are all working together to help them to be their best selves.
How do we do this?
We sustain strong links with schools, with schools offering support twice a week. This not only supports pupils to maintain positive relationships but it also enables us to ensure that their learning continues to build and develop as their peers back in school. We have a duty to deliver high quality learning experiences in line with their age group, be it the Early Years or Key Stage 1 National Curriculum. We want our pupils to reach their true potential and having high expectations is key to this.
Alongside this, bespoke therapeutic sessions address SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs. Skills are then embedded throughout the school day, with an emphasis on recognising your emotions and knowing what to do with these emotions. Learning to use your words, to keep a problem small; as well as developing empathy, cooperation, compromise, friendship, resilience and self-regulation, is at the heart of all that we do.
What does the school week look like?
The morning starts with phonics, and our pupils follow the phonics and reading scheme from their school. We follow White Rose Maths and Complete PE.
What do our pupils learn?
We try to mirror what pupils would be learning in school, merging year 1 and year 2 themes and incorporating early years areas of learning.
Please click on the link below to see an overview of the year. Planning is responsive to the needs of our pupils, subsequently it is subject to change.
/docs/Orchard_Class_Long_Term_Overview_2024-2025.pdf
What do therapeutic lessons look like?
We use a selection of core texts to promote an understanding of our emotions, knowing how to identify them and learning how our emotions may impact ourselves and those around us.
We use visual prompts to expand our pupils emotional vocabulary, helping them to pinpoint how they are feeling, recognising when they are having a big or uncomfortable emotion and knowing it is ok and normal to feel a whole range of emotions.
Pupils are supported to identify the size of a problem, understanding that a small problem deserves a small response. By developing sefl-awareness, our pupils learn to understand their 'triggers' and they are better able to use their words and seek support, thus keeping problems small.
What calming strategies do we teach?
We teach our pupils a whole range of calming strategies. Each pupil is unique and our pupils build a mental health toolkit, so they know what they can do to manage a big emotion.
Please take a look and some links below:
//www.youtube.com/embed/vnhR40dm3hc#t=0.5
//www.youtube.com/embed/RiMb2Bw4Ae8#t=0.5
//www.youtube.com/embed/dnwHDN6Dw7Q#t=0.5
//www.youtube.com/embed/RI1Fz7-1QH0#t=0.5
//www.youtube.com/embed/FK_huTYdDwY#t=0.5
How long do pupils stay in Orchard Class?
It varies from pupil to pupil, but we are a short term intervention. Placements usually last between 12 and 14 weeks, this includes a three week transition plan back into school. Some circumstances may mean that a pupil may stay somewhat longer. Our holistic approach ensures we come together with our schools and families to make decisions that are in the best interest of our pupils.