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Make a Referral
This page is for schools, Local Authorities and education professionals wishing to refer learners to The Orchard Equine College.
We provide:
• Alternative Provision for learners aged 8–16, commissioned by schools or Local Authorities
• Specialist Post-16 provision for learners aged 16–25, accessed through Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
Parents and carers are welcome to make an initial enquiry; however, all placements must be commissioned through professional referral routes.
We do not offer privately funded or self-funded placements.
1. Initial Enquiry
Referrers contact us to discuss learner needs, suitability and availability.
We outline our programmes, expectations, safeguarding framework and support structures to ensure clarity before progressing further.
2. Referral Form Submission
A completed referral form must be returned in full.
This enables us to review:
• Learner background
• Key strengths and areas of need
• EHCP details (where applicable)
• Risk and safeguarding information
• Attendance history
• Intended outcomes
This information forms the basis of our internal suitability assessment.
3. Internal Review & Suitability Assessment
Each referral is reviewed to determine:
• Whether we can safely meet the learner’s needs
• Environmental suitability
• Staffing and supervision requirements
• Risk management considerations
• Current capacity within provision
The safety of learners, staff and horses is always paramount.
4. Referral Progression Confirmation
Before arranging any visit, written confirmation must be provided that the referral is actively progressing.
This ensures protection of:
• Routine and structure
• Horse welfare
• Staff capacity
• Emotional stability of existing learners
Only referrals genuinely under consideration will proceed to the next stage.
5. Visit to The Orchard
If deemed suitable, the learner (accompanied by parent/carer and/or professionals) will be invited to visit.
This includes:
• Tour of facilities
• Meeting staff and horses
• Observing the environment
• Opportunity for questions and discussion
The visit supports informed decision-making and helps prepare the learner for transition.
6. Meet & Discover Day
Where appropriate, learners may be invited to attend a structured taster session.
This allows us to assess:
• Engagement and readiness
• Emotional regulation
• Communication and sensory profile
• Safety awareness
• Required adaptations
It also enables the learner to experience the provision in a calm and supported way.
7. Placement Agreement
Where a learner is considered suitable, a formal placement agreement is issued outlining:
• Programme type (Reins & Roots or Accredited Pathway)
• Attendance days and schedule
• Support arrangements
• EHCP-linked outcomes (where applicable)
• Review timetable
• Funding arrangements
No placement begins without a signed agreement.
8. Start of Placement
Learners begin on an agreed start date supported by a clear transition plan.
Provision includes:
• Consistent staffing
• Predictable routines
• Personalised pacing
• Initial wellbeing monitoring
• Clear expectations and boundaries
We maintain close communication with the referrer to support a smooth start.
9. Ongoing Monitoring & Review
Throughout the placement we provide:
• Attendance tracking
• Behaviour and engagement updates
• EHCP outcome monitoring
• Written reviews
• Collaborative planning meetings
This ensures alignment between the College, referrers and families.
10. Progression & Next Steps
Depending on age, development and outcomes, learners may:
• Continue within Reins & Roots
• Progress into accredited Level 1–3 qualifications
• Transition back to school
• Move to another specialist provision
• Progress into apprenticeships, college or employment
Our focus is always long-term development, independence and sustained positive outcomes.
Ready to Make a Referral?
Please use this form to refer a learner to The Orchard Equine College via a commissioned referral route.
We accept referrals from schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, Local Authorities and other commissioning bodies.
Placements must be commissioned through schools or Local Authorities. We do not offer privately funded or self-funded placements.
Once submitted, our team will review the information and contact the referring organisation to discuss next steps.
