Suitability, Support and Feedback

A Group Enrichment Programme

The Orchard Home Education Programme is a structured enrichment offer that complements the education provided by families at home.

It is not a specialist SEND placement, literacy intervention, individually supported programme or replacement for the learner’s complete home education.

Accessing the Programme

Learners do not need high academic attainment. However, they must be able to participate in practical and group learning with the ordinary guidance available from the session tutor.

The programme may be suitable for learners who can:

• Communicate their essential needs

• Understand and follow group instructions

• Respond immediately to safety directions

• Participate safely around animals, tools and outdoor environments

• Work alongside other learners

• Complete age-appropriate activities with ordinary tutor guidance

• Read, record or communicate learning at the level expected for the chosen group

• Manage without continuous individual prompting, explanation or supervision

Learners with additional needs are welcome where they can participate safely and meaningfully within the standard group model and reasonable adjustments available within the programme.

What the Standard Programme Cannot Provide

Home Education Group fees do not include:

• Intensive reading, writing or numeracy support

• Continuous individual explanation or regular scribing

• Dedicated 1:1 teaching or supervision

• An individually adapted specialist curriculum

• EHCP provision or formal SEND intervention

• Personal care or routine medication administration

• Clinical or therapeutic support

• Constant line-of-sight supervision

Where a learner requires regular individual teaching or specialist support, the Home Education Programme is unlikely to be the appropriate offer. A separately commissioned Alternative Provision placement or another specialist service may be more suitable.

Level 1 Vocational Readiness

Suitability for a Home Education Group does not automatically mean that a learner is ready for the accredited Level 1 pathway.

Level 1 applicants must also be able to:

• Demonstrate a genuine interest in vocational horse care

• Attend consistently for one day per week over two academic years

• Follow practical and written learning at the required level

• Build and maintain qualification evidence

• Complete written, verbal, digital and practical assessment activities

• Work with increasing independence

• Respond to assessor feedback

• Meet City & Guilds qualification and safety requirements

Reasonable assessment arrangements may be considered where permitted by the awarding organisation. They cannot replace the learner’s need to engage with the programme and demonstrate the required knowledge and competence.

Feedback and Achievement

Families participating in the enrichment programme may receive:

• Informal feedback about participation

• Confirmation of attendance

• Recognition of practical achievements

• BHS Challenge Awards or Pony Club badges achieved

• An end-of-programme certificate, where applicable

• Communication about wellbeing, behaviour or safeguarding concerns

The enrichment programme does not include formal parent evenings, scheduled reviews, EHCP target monitoring, personalised progress reports, commissioner reporting or the Orchard Growth Passport.

Learners following the accredited Level 1 pathway receive the assessment feedback, progress information and qualification records required for their course.

Families must provide accurate information about learning, communication, behaviour, health and supervision needs before a place is agreed.

Every enquiry is considered individually, and a place is offered only where The Orchard is confident that the learner can participate safely and meaningfully within the chosen programme.