Orchard Therapeutic Farm - Alternative Provision
Admissions and Referrals
We work closely with schools across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, and Surrey, with active referral pathways already in place. We also have contracts and service level agreements with local authorities, SEN schools, residential homes, and parents/carers.
While we can’t act as a child’s primary educational provision, we value partnership working as an essential part of what we do. That’s why we attend professional meetings when needed and keep communication open with everyone involved in a young person’s journey.
Every admission is considered on a case-by-case basis to make sure our provision is the right fit for the individual. We welcome learners with a wide range of additional needs, including:
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Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
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Poor mental health and social anxieties
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Autism (ASD)
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Anxiety
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Those at risk of exclusion
We accept children both with and without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). While we aim to be as inclusive as possible, we currently don’t have the facilities to support learners with high-dependency physical disabilities.
We want to help every young person who could benefit from what we offer — but it’s important that they’re ready to start this journey with us and want to be here.
When a student joins Orchard Therapeutic Farm, they agree to three simple things:
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They want to attend and will come regularly.
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They will be considerate towards other students, staff, visitors, the animals, and our environment — becoming part of our community.
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They will help us keep everyone safe and look after our shared space.
We know that some of our young people arrive with behaviours that can be challenging. That’s why our approach is built around creating a safe, nurturing environment and developing strong relationships. This helps students feel secure and supported — and, in turn, reduces the behaviours they might show in a more traditional setting. Our shared values and expectations guide us as a community and ensure everyone can thrive together.
The Referrals Process
If you think Orchard Therapeutic Farm could be right for your young person, the journey begins with a visit to the site. This helps them get a feel for the environment and decide if it’s a good fit. We’ll then build up their time here gradually, aiming for up to 15 hours a week.
Subject to availability, we’ll offer the days and groups we believe will best meet their needs. If we’re ever at full capacity, we’ll add them to our waiting list and offer a place as soon as one becomes available.
If you’d like to make a referral or simply find out more, please get in touch to discuss whether we can meet your young person’s needs.