What is Orchard Therapeutic Farm, and what do you offer for children with SEN?
Orchard Therapeutic Farm is a safe, nurturing space where children with special educational needs (SEN) can learn, grow, and thrive. We offer therapeutic interventions, animal-assisted activities, vocational training, and personalised educational experiences. At the heart of our work is a culture of care that supports each child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

How do you keep children safe and well at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?
Safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. All staff are trained in safeguarding and have expertise in supporting children with SEN. We follow robust safeguarding policies, carry out regular risk assessments, and have governance processes in place to ensure best practice is always followed.

What therapies do you provide?

Our therapeutic offer is tailored to each child’s individual needs and embedded throughout daily practice. This includes animal-assisted therapy, sensory integration approaches, and a range of targeted interventions to support regulation, communication, and social development.

Thrive-informed practice is central to our approach, with structured sessions helping young people build emotional resilience, develop relationships, and better understand their feelings.

We are further supported by Occupational Therapists from Oxford Brookes University, who provide specialist input to guide sensory strategies and ensure our environment meets individual needs.

Therapeutic support is part of our culture, delivered through a consistent, whole-staff, trauma-informed approach led by a qualified practitioner. One-to-one support is available whenever needed, ensuring each young person is supported in a way that is both responsive and consistent.

How do you work with parents, guardians, and commissioners?
We believe the best outcomes come from working together. Families and commissioners are involved at every stage, with regular communication and opportunities to share feedback. We value your insight and work in partnership to make sure support is consistent and effective.

Can children attend alongside their usual school?
Yes. We often work with schools and local authorities to create flexible timetables that fit around existing education. Our aim is to complement and enrich a child’s learning, not replace it.

How do you measure progress?
We start with a baseline assessment, then track progress through regular reviews. Our team works together to set personalised goals, monitor achievement, and adapt support as needed. Every milestone is celebrated.

What ages do you work with?
We support children from 6 to 18 years old, offering age-appropriate activities and interventions for each developmental stage.

How does animal-assisted therapy work here?
Working with animals is a core part of what we do. Guided by trained staff, children care for and interact with animals in ways that build empathy, communication skills, and emotional regulation. These sessions are both therapeutic and educational.

Do you offer vocational training?
Yes. We provide hands-on learning to develop life skills, confidence, and independence. These skills prepare children for future education, work, or community opportunities.

How do you support children moving on to new settings?

We develop transition plans in partnership with the child, their family, school, and other professionals to ensure each step feels safe, supported, and well-prepared. This may include initial assessments, gradual introductions, and ongoing monitoring to support a smooth and successful transition.

Regular review meetings are held to track progress, and Support and Action Plans (SAPs) are put in place where needed. We work collaboratively at every stage, keeping the child’s journey at the centre and ensuring decisions are made in their best interests.

What makes Orchard Therapeutic Farm different?

Our child-centred, holistic approach sets us apart. We combine personalised care with evidence-based interventions and a strong sense of community. Our facilities are well-resourced and our team is deeply committed to helping every child reach their potential.

How can families get involved?

Families are a valued and important part of our community. We offer workshops, support groups, family events, and regular communication to ensure everyone feels informed, included, and connected.We also run Family Thrive sessions, creating opportunities for shared understanding, support, and growth. We recognise that family life can sometimes feel challenging, and building a strong, supportive community is at the heart of what we do — ensuring no one feels alone on their journey.

How do you manage dietary or medical needs?

We maintain detailed, up-to-date records of each child’s medical and dietary requirements, ensuring their needs are clearly understood and consistently supported.We work closely with families and relevant professionals to put the right care, adjustments, and plans in place. This collaborative approach ensures that all dietary and medical needs are met safely, thoughtfully, and in a way that supports each child’s wellbeing and comfort throughout their time with us.

What facilities do you have?

Our farm offers a rich mix of indoor and outdoor learning spaces, designed to support hands-on, experiential learning in a calm and engaging environment.These include sensory gardens, animal areas, woodwork and art studios, therapy rooms, and well-equipped classrooms, alongside more specialist spaces such as our dog grooming room, reptile bus, and our on-site restaurant-style bistro. Each area is thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful, real-life learning opportunities, supporting both therapeutic development and vocational skills in a way that feels purposeful and accessible for every young person.

How do you help children build social skills?
Social development is woven into daily life here. Group activities, peer projects, and targeted interventions help children build skills such as communication, teamwork, empathy, and self-awareness.

What qualifications do your staff have?
Our team includes trained teachers, SEN specialists, therapists, and counsellors. Everyone receives ongoing professional development and safeguarding training to maintain the highest standards.

How do you connect with the wider community?
We work with local organisations, take part in community events, and run outreach programmes to raise awareness and promote inclusion for children with SEN.

Do you help families navigate the SEN system?
Yes. Our family support team can help with assessments, referrals, and advocacy, as well as guiding you to services and resources.

What should my child wear?
We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that’s suitable for outdoor learning and play — think layers, sturdy shoes or wellies, and clothes that can get muddy. We can also provide suitable clothing if needed.