What will a day look like?

Every day is different at Orchard Therapeutic Farm (OTF) and is full of fun, engaging activities, where memories are created for our young people! Each morning is a fresh start and our amazing staff are here to support each young person’s progress individually.

There are a huge range of activities ; pottery , cookery , fishing , bee keeping and others which are also be led by the interests of the young people who attend. Working on a farm with seasonal changes requires a need for flexibility, however this brings a natural variety and diversity of new learning experiences as the seasons turn, especially during apple picking or calving.

We open daily at 9.00 am, with a transition time that includes check-ins as well as breakfast, which is approximately half an hour. This gives time and space for the young people to share and discuss any concerns, as well as time to build relationships with the staff and peers using a less structured approach. This supports them to be ready for the first session at 9.30 am. The bespoke sessions last around 45 minutes, with appropriate rest breaks, subject to the young person's needs. There is a balance of activities both indoor and outside, with the offer of more formal maths and literacy in the form of Functional Skills. The day finishes at the farm between 2.00 and 2.30pm, depending on the individual provision, with Bridge to Brilliance provision finishing at 3pm.

If children are unable to attend in person at OTF a referral can be made to our Outreach Team. This is where a member of staff will take appropriate activities and learning to their home or somewhere they feel comfortable and is able to be delivered as a tailored provision for each individual student . This is to provide a link and build relationships to enable a young person to eventually access part or full days at OTF .

The mood at OTF is informal and upbeat. Our aim is to help our students regain their self-esteem and get back on track. A good outcome is not just about measuring targets and outcomes, but about our students being more comfortable in different environments, working both individually and as part of a team, as well as reaching their personal goals and successes. Our small size mean we can really focus on the needs of each young person, to build and reignite their confidence in all areas, and to enjoy a therapeutic approach to rediscover a love of learning.