Q1: What is Orchard Therapeutic Farm, and what services do you offer for children with SEN?

A1: Orchard Therapeutic Farm is a dedicated space designed to provide holistic care and support for children with SEN. We offer a range of therapeutic interventions, animal-assisted activities, vocational training, and tailored educational experiences to cater to individual needs. There is a culture of care and support building children mental health.

Q2: How do you ensure the safety and well-being of the children at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A2: The safety and well-being of every child are our top priorities. Our staff are trained professionals with expertise in Special educational needs. We maintain a structured environment, conduct regular risk assessments, and adhere to strict safeguarding protocols to ensure a secure and nurturing setting for all. There are robust auditable process in place and a governance to ensure that good practice if adhered to.

Q3: What types of therapies are available at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A3: We offer a blend of therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. This includes animal-assisted therapy, sensory integration therapy, lego therapy, and more. Our trauma informed approach combines evidence-based practices with innovative techniques to foster growth and development.

Q4: How do you involve parents and guardians and commissioners in the therapeutic process?

A4: We believe in fostering a collaborative approach that involves parents and caregivers and commissioners at every step. Regular communication, family therapy sessions, parent workshops, and feedback mechanisms are integral parts of our program. We value your insights and work closely with families to ensure continuity of care and support.

Q5: Can children attend Orchard Therapeutic Farm alongside their regular schooling?

A5: Yes, children can attend Orchard Therapeutic Farm alongside their regular schooling. We collaborate with schools and local authorities to create flexible schedules that accommodate individual needs. Our aim is to complement and enhance each child's educational journey through our tailored programmes.

Q6: How do you measure progress and outcomes for children at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A6: We employ a comprehensive assessment framework that includes baseline evaluations, ongoing monitoring, and periodic reviews. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to track progress, set individualised goals, and adjust interventions as needed. We believe in celebrating milestones and continuously refining our approach to maximize positive outcomes.

Q7: What age groups do you cater to at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A7: We cater to children across various age groups, ensuring age-appropriate activities and interventions tailored to their developmental stages and specific needs .Our ages vary from 6 to 18 years.

Q8: How do you integrate animal-assisted therapy into your programs?

A8: Animal-assisted therapy is a cornerstone of our approach. Under the guidance of trained professionals, children engage in structured interactions with animals, fostering empathy, social skills, and emotional regulation. These sessions are designed to be both therapeutic and educational, promoting holistic well-being.

Q9: Are there opportunities for vocational training and skill development at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A9: Absolutely. We offer vocational training programmes aimed at enhancing life skills, independence, and employability. Through hands-on experiences and tailored interventions, children learn valuable skills that empower them for future success.

Q10: How do you support the transition of children into mainstream education or other settings?

A10: Transition planning is a collaborative effort involving our team, families, schools, and relevant stakeholders. We provide comprehensive support, including transition assessments, individualised planning, school liaisons, and ongoing monitoring to ensure a smooth and successful transition for each child.

Q11: What sets Orchard Therapeutic Farm apart from other therapeutic settings?

A11: What truly sets us apart is our therapeutic and holistic, child-centred approach that prioritises individualised care, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative partnerships. Our dedicated team, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Q12: How can families get involved in the Orchard Therapeutic Farm community?

A12: Families are encouraged to be active participants in our community. We offer family engagement activities, workshops, support groups, and regular communication channels to foster collaboration, share insights, and build a supportive network of caregivers.

Q13: How do you handle individual dietary and medical needs of the children?

A13: We prioritise the health and well-being of each child by maintaining thorough records of dietary restrictions, allergies, and medical requirements. Our team works closely with healthcare professionals and families to ensure that every child receives appropriate care, accommodations, and support.

Q14: Can you describe the outdoor and indoor facilities available at Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A14: Our farm boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces designed to facilitate therapeutic activities and experiential learning. From sensory gardens, animal enclosures, art studios, woodwork rooms, dog grooming room to dedicated therapy rooms and recreational areas, we offer a rich environment that encourages exploration, growth, and healing.

Q15: How do you incorporate social skills development into your programmes?

A15: Social skills development is integral to our holistic approach. Through structured group activities, peer interactions and EHCP targeted interventions, we help children build essential social competencies, such as communication, collaboration, empathy, and self-awareness.

Q16: What training and qualifications do your staff members possess?

A16: Our staff members are highly trained professionals with expertise in teacher training, special education, therapeutic interventions, counselling, and related fields. They undergo regular professional development and adhere to best practices to ensure the highest quality of care and support for our children.

Q17: How do you engage with the broader community and stakeholders?

A17: We believe in fostering strong relationships with the broader community and stakeholders. Through outreach programmes, collaborative initiatives, partnerships with local organisations, and participation in community events, we aim to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and advocate for the needs of children with SEN.

Q18: What support do you offer to families navigating the SEN system and accessing resources?

A18: We understand that navigating the SEN system can be challenging for families. Therefore, we provide comprehensive support, guidance, and resources to help families access the services, resources, and information they need. Our dedicated family support team is available to assist with assessments, referrals, advocacy, and more.

Q19: What should my child wear when attending Orchard Therapeutic Farm?

A19: We recommend that children wear comfortable, sensory appropriate, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for ease of movement and participation in various activities. Depending on the day's activities, this might include athletic wear, closed-toe shoes or wellies suitable for outdoor exploration, and layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Additionally, please consider any specific sensory or comfort needs your child may have and dress them accordingly. We prioritise safety, comfort, and the ability for children to engage fully in our therapeutic and educational experiences. We also provide appropriate wear if required and whether financial restrictions upon the parents.