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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, and

  • 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 suitability, availability and learner needs.
We will outline our programmes and answer any questions about the Orchard environment, expectations or support offered.

2. Referral Form Completion

A referral form must be completed in full and returned to our team.
This allows us to understand:

  • the learner’s background

  • key needs and strengths

  • EHCP details (if applicable)

  • risk information

  • attendance history

  • desired outcomes

This forms the basis of our internal decision-making.

3. Internal Review & Suitability Check

Our team carefully reviews every referral to determine:

  • whether we can safely meet the learner’s needs

  • whether the environment is appropriate

  • staffing requirements

  • risk management

  • whether we have suitable provision and capacity

Safety of learners, staff and horses is always our priority.

4. Referral Progression Confirmation

Before any visit takes place, we require written confirmation that the referral is actively progressing.
This protects:

  • our routine

  • our horses

  • our staff team

  • the emotional safety of existing learners

Only referrals genuinely being considered for placement will be allowed on site.

5. Visit to The Orchard

If suitable, we invite the learner (with parent/carer and/or professionals) to visit.
This includes:

  • a tour of the facilities

  • “meet the horses” time

  • observing the environment

  • opportunities to ask questions

This helps the learner feel comfortable before any next steps.

6. Invited to “Meet & Discover” Day

A short taster session helps us assess:

  • engagement

  • emotional readiness

  • communication needs

  • sensory profile

  • safety considerations

  • any adaptations required

It also gives the learner a calm, supported experience of the programme.

7. Placement Agreement

  1. If the learner is a good fit, we issue a placement agreement that includes:

    • programme type (Reins & Roots / Accredited Programme)

    • attendance days/times

    • support needs

    • goals and EHCP links (if applicable)

    • review schedule

    • fees and funding arrangements

    No placement can begin without a signed agreement..

8. Start of Placement

Learners begin on an agreed start date with a clear transition plan.
We provide:

  • consistent staffing

  • predictable routines

  • personalised pacing

  • initial wellbeing check-ins

  • safe expectations and boundaries

We work closely with the referrer to ensure a smooth, positive start.

9. Ongoing Monitoring, Reviews & Communication

Throughout the placement we provide:

  • attendance monitoring

  • behaviour and engagement updates

  • progress towards EHCP outcomes

  • written reviews for schools/local authorities

  • collaborative planning

This helps everyone remain aligned and ensures the learner receives the best support.

10. Progression & Next Steps

Depending on age and progress, learners may:

  • continue with Reins & Roots

  • move onto accredited Level 1, 2 or 3 qualifications

  • transition back to school

  • progress to another specialist placement or alternative provision

  • move into apprenticeships, college or employment

Our goal is always long-term development, confidence, independence and wellbeing.

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.

Parents and carers are welcome to make an initial enquiry; however, 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.

We look forward to meeting you!