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Accessing Provision at The Orchard
We work in partnership with Local Authorities, schools and education professionals to provide the right placement for each learner.
The Orchard provides:
Alternative Provision for learners aged 8–16
Specialist Post-16 provision for learners aged 16–25
All placements are accessed through Local Authority or school commissioning routes.
We do not offer privately funded or self-funded placements.
Assessment & Suitability
All placements are subject to assessment to ensure they are appropriate, safe and in the best interests of the learner.
This includes consideration of:
Learner needs and suitability
Health and safety requirements
Staffing and supervision
Current capacity within the provision
Not all referrals can be accepted. Decisions are made collaboratively with commissioning bodies.
How to Make a Referral
We follow a clear, structured process to ensure each placement is safe, appropriate and set up for success.
Enquiry → Referral → Assessment → Visit → Placement → Review → Progression
1. Initial Enquiry
Contact us to discuss the learner’s needs, suitability and availability.
We’ll outline our provision and answer any initial questions.
2. Referral Submission
A completed referral form is submitted, providing key information about the learner’s needs, background and support required.
3. Review & Assessment
Our team reviews the referral to assess suitability, safety and capacity within the provision.
4. Referral Progression
Where appropriate, we confirm the referral is progressing and suitable to move forward to the next stage.
5. Visit to The Orchard
The learner and professionals are invited to visit, meet staff and experience the environment.
6. Meet & Discover Session
Where appropriate, learners may attend a structured taster session to support assessment and engagement.
7. Placement Agreement
If suitable, a formal placement agreement is issued outlining support, structure, expectations and outcomes.
8. Start of Placement
The learner begins with a planned transition and consistent support in place.
9. Ongoing Review
We provide regular updates, monitor progress and work collaboratively with referrers.
10. Progression & Next Steps
Learners progress in line with their development, moving into further education, vocational pathways or other appropriate provision.
Ready to Make a Referral?
Please use our referral form to begin the process.
Our team will review the information and contact the referring organisation to discuss next steps.
