Orchard Therapeutic Farm - Alternative Provision News Feed - News

The Importance of Work Experience in SEND Alternative Provision

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:57:05 GMT

How meaningful, real-world experience can build confidence, independence and future pathways.

At Orchard Therapeutic Farm, we see every day how powerful work experience can be for young people with SEND. When learning feels connected to real life, it often becomes more meaningful, more engaging and more empowering.

What Being a Thrive Informed Centre Means at Orchard Therapeutic Farm

Mon, 9 Mar 2026 15:28:17 GMT

At Orchard Therapeutic Farm, relationships sit at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when children feel safe, understood and valued, learning becomes possible again. That belief is why we are proud to be a Thrive informed centre.

The Importance of Hands-On Learning

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:49:43 GMT

Trades has quickly become one of the most valued programmes at Orchard Therapeutic Farm. It developed naturally because our young people asked for something practical, purposeful and real. They wanted learning that involved movement, making and seeing the results of their effort.

Open Day at Orchard Therapeutic Farm

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:43:03 GMT

Saturday 28th February | 10am to 1pm
Book a 30-minute time slot to speak with one of our team

Welfare Wednesdays: Helping Young People Stay Safe on Roblox

Tue, 7 Apr 2026 14:50:05 GMT

We are excited to introduce Welfare Wednesday, a space for sharing practical blogs and tips around safeguarding for parents, carers, and staff. These posts are designed to feel supportive and informative, helping us all work together to keep young people safe and thriving.

Settling In and building Confidence at The Barn & Outreach

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:32:16 GMT

January always arrives with a certain energy across our Orchard Therapeutic Outreach and Barn provision. It brings a sense of beginning again, of settling back into rhythm, and of taking stock as young people and staff reconnect with routines and learning.

Recognising Progression

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:59:14 GMT

Recognising progression is a vital part of our work at Orchard Therapeutic Farm. Progress is not always linear, and it is not always academic, but it is always meaningful. Taking time to pause, reflect and acknowledge how far a young person has come is essential to building confidence, motivation and self-belief.

Continual Professional Development at Orchard Therapeutic Farm

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:53:12 GMT

Continual Professional Development is central to how we work at Orchard Therapeutic Farm. We are committed to building and refining our skills to ensure we provide safe, thoughtful and high quality support for every young person in our care.

Raising Smiles and £250 at the Orchard Coffee Morning

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:50:17 GMT

Our Macmillan Coffee Morning brought the orchard to life, with students welcoming guests, serving coffees and proudly showcasing their artwork. They raised an amazing £250 and gained real confidence along the way, turning a simple fundraiser into a morning filled with connection, creativity and community spirit.

Macmillan Coffee Morning & the launch of The Kitchen

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:18:45 GMT

We’d love you to join us on Friday 21 November for something special, a morning that blends purpose, creativity and community in the most delicious way.

Wreath Making Workshop

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:29:12 GMT

Join us in the Orchard Tipi this December for a festive evening of creativity and calm. Our Wreath Making Workshop invites parents, guardians and friends to craft beautiful handmade wreaths from foraged greenery while enjoying mulled Hitchcox cider, nibbles and good company.

Building Everyday Life Skills at Orchard Therapeutic Farm

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:02:26 GMT

At Orchard Therapeutic Farm, we believe that learning goes far beyond the classroom or workshop. Alongside vocational training, our students are supported to develop essential everyday life skills that will help them thrive with confidence and independence.

Wallpapering the Way Forward

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:03:06 GMT

The new term is well underway at Orchard Therapeutic Farm, and our students are now fully settled into the rhythm of farm life and learning. With confidence growing, they are taking their vocational training full steam ahead, diving into new skills that will support their futures.

Students Shine at The Big Shindig

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:04:53 GMT

Last Saturday evening the orchard came alive for The Big Shindig, with music, laughter and the glow of firepits filling the air. But what made the event truly special was seeing our students step into real-life roles and thrive.

A Taste of Learning at the Orchard Therapeutic Barn

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:05:58 GMT

This week our lovely small group gathered at the Orchard Therapeutic Barn for a day full of learning, laughter and plenty of muddy fun.

A Fresh Term, Fresh Starts – and Fresh Coffee at the Farm

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:06:36 GMT

There’s something about the start of a new term that brings a sense of possibility – fresh notebooks, fresh ideas, and at Orchard Therapeutic Farm, a whole host of fresh beginnings.

This autumn marks the launch of our new brand, complete with bright new signage and plenty of exciting developments around the farm. The most talked-about? The opening of our brand-new coffee spot, Hitchcox Kitchen, tucked beneath our beautiful new canopy with a fire pit glowing at its heart.

Hitchcox Kitchen isn’t just about great coffee (though we promise you that too). It’s about creating a warm, welcoming hub – a place where our students can gain real-world work experience, where parents can pop in after drop-off, and where the community can gather, connect, and feel at home.

To celebrate, we’re hosting a few evening events – and we’d love you to join us for the very first. The Cider Shindig kicks off on 20 September, 5pm–11.30pm. Expect live music, feasting by firelight, and, of course, cider poured fresh from the source. It’s our way of throwing the gates open, sharing what we love, and raising a glass with the people who get it.

Tickets are £10 – secure yours here and be part of the start of something special.