Ground & Growth
The Orchard’s Horticulture and Land-Based Foundation Programme
Ground & Growth is The Orchard’s structured, non-accredited Foundation Programme using horticulture, land, nature and environmental projects to support learning and personal development.
Designed for learners who benefit from practical, visual and outdoor education, the programme provides meaningful opportunities to create, care for and improve natural spaces while developing confidence, responsibility and a sense of achievement.
Through purposeful horticultural and land-based learning, learners can develop:
Confidence, patience and resilience
Emotional awareness and self-regulation
Communication and positive relationships
Independence and responsibility
Practical knowledge and competence
Teamwork and problem-solving
English, mathematics, science and digital skills
Environmental awareness and sustainable thinking
Employability and preparation for adulthood
Working outdoors and connecting with nature can provide a calming, motivating and highly therapeutic educational experience. Ground & Growth may support wellbeing, mindfulness, engagement and emotional regulation, but it is an educational programme with therapeutic value, not clinical therapy or mental-health treatment.
Learners do not need previous horticultural experience or plans for a land-based career. The wider skills developed through the programme can support many different routes into education, volunteering, employment, community participation and adult life.
Growing Confidence. Growing Skills. Growing Futures.
Planting ideas. Growing skills. Creating possibilities.
What Learners Explore
Ground & Growth uses horticulture, land and environmental activities as a meaningful context for structured learning.
Depending on the learner’s age, starting point, interests, intended outcomes and the season, learning may include:
Growing fruit, vegetables, flowers and other plants
Preparing soil and growing areas
Planting, watering and caring for crops
Understanding plant needs, growth and seasonal change
Identifying common plants, habitats and wildlife
Gardening and maintaining outdoor spaces
Using, cleaning and storing tools safely
Composting, recycling and reducing waste
Exploring conservation and sustainability
Planning and contributing to practical projects
Working independently and cooperatively with others
English, mathematics, science and digital skills are embedded naturally throughout the programme. Learners may read instructions, measure growing areas, calculate quantities, record plant development, explore environmental processes and use technology to research, plan or present their work.
Every activity has an educational purpose. The emphasis is not simply on gardening or spending time outdoors, but on developing knowledge, practical competence, personal growth and transferable skills for life.
Specific activities are selected and adapted by The Orchard according to individual needs, safety, suitability, seasonal opportunities and intended placement outcomes.
A Progressive Learning Journey
Ground & Growth supports learners to move from supported participation towards greater practical competence, responsibility and independence.
Stage 1 - Building Foundations
Learning Skills • Building Confidence • Staying Safe
Learners are introduced to the outdoor environment, practical routines and appropriate tools at a pace suited to their starting point.
The focus is on:
Feeling safe and developing confidence outdoors
Building positive relationships
Engaging with predictable routines
Following instructions and working safely
Beginning to use appropriate tools and equipment
Understanding the basic needs of plants
Developing patience, care and responsibility
Recognising how individual actions affect the environment
Stage 2 - Growing Independence
Growing Skills • Taking Responsibility • Becoming More Independent
As learners become ready, they are supported to apply their knowledge, make appropriate decisions and take greater responsibility for practical activities and projects.
The focus develops to include:
Planning and completing tasks with fewer prompts
Selecting and using tools appropriately
Observing change and responding to plant needs
Developing practical competence and accuracy
Solving problems and adapting to changing conditions
Working cooperatively and contributing to shared projects
Demonstrating resilience and sustained effort
Preparing for further learning and future opportunities
These stages are part of The Orchard’s non-accredited Foundation Programme and should not be confused with City & Guilds qualification levels. Progress is based on each learner’s individual starting point, needs and intended outcomes.
Learning Through Land and Nature
Ground & Growth brings together practical horticulture, personal development and wider educational learning.
Through purposeful outdoor activities, learners may have opportunities to:
Care for plants and contribute to meaningful projects
Experience how patience and consistent effort lead to visible results
Develop confidence, resilience and emotional regulation
Use mindfulness and connect with the natural environment
Practise communication, teamwork and positive relationships
Take increasing responsibility for practical tasks
Make decisions and solve real-world problems
Apply English, mathematics, science and digital skills
Explore employability and professional behaviours
Connect their learning to everyday life and preparation for adulthood
Seasonal routines and longer-term projects help learners understand change, responsibility and the value of sustained effort. Completing a task or seeing something grow provides a genuine and visible sense of achievement.
Every learner follows an individual journey. Activities, expectations and support are adapted according to their starting point, intended outcomes and readiness to progress.
Recognising Progress and Achievement
Every learner begins Ground & Growth from their own individual starting point. Progress is recognised through personal development, practical learning and the learner’s growing ability to apply their skills with confidence and independence.
Development may be seen across areas such as:
Engagement, confidence and wellbeing
Emotional awareness and self-regulation
Communication and positive relationships
Horticultural and environmental understanding
Safe use of tools and practical competence
Independence and responsibility
Patience, resilience and sustained effort
Teamwork, planning and problem-solving
Employability and professional behaviour
Preparation for further learning and adulthood
Evidence may include completed projects, practical activities, learner reflection, discussion, photographs and tutor observations. Where applicable, progress can also contribute towards commissioned placement outcomes, including EHCP and Preparation for Adulthood priorities.
Achievements are recorded through The Orchard Growth Passport, providing a meaningful picture of how the learner is developing—not simply a record of the activities they have completed.
Every starting point is different. Every step forward matters.
Nature provides the experience. Skills create the opportunities. Growth opens the future.
Where Ground & Growth Can Lead
Ground & Growth helps learners develop the confidence, practical skills and readiness needed to consider their next step.
Depending on their age, interests and individual goals, progression may include:
An appropriate Level 1 vocational pathway from age 14
Post-16 vocational study at The Orchard
Further education or training with another provider
Supported internships
Volunteering and community or environmental projects
Employment and work-related opportunities
Greater independence and preparation for adult life
From September 2027, The Orchard intends to introduce City & Guilds Practical Horticulture Skills at Levels 1 and 2, subject to approval, demand and availability. Future Level 3 progression will be reviewed as suitable recognised qualifications become available.
Possible future areas may include horticulture, gardening, grounds maintenance, food growing, plant nurseries, landscaping, conservation and environmental work.
Learners do not need to be planning a land-based career. The patience, communication, teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving and practical confidence developed through Ground & Growth can transfer into many areas of education, employment and everyday life.
Accessing Ground & Growth
The complete Ground & Growth Foundation Programme is available through a commissioned Alternative Provision placement for learners aged 8-16.
Placements may be commissioned by:
Schools and academies
Local Authorities
Virtual Schools
SEND services
Early Help services
Children’s Social Care
Other authorised commissioning teams
Every referral is considered individually. Before offering a placement, we consider the learner’s strengths and interests, communication, support needs, health and mobility, intended outcomes and suitability for an active horticultural, land-based and outdoor environment.
Selected horticultural and nature-based enrichment activities may also feature within our separately funded Home Education Groups. These sessions are not the complete Ground & Growth Foundation Programme and do not include commissioned placement planning, formal progress reporting or specialist individual support.
Discuss a Nurture & Nature Placement
If you are a school, Local Authority or authorised commissioning professional, use our Placements & Referrals form to tell us about the learner, their intended outcomes and the support being considered.
A placement is offered only where The Orchard is satisfied that it can meet the learner’s needs safely, appropriately and meaningfully.
Looking for parent funded enrichment rather than commissioned Alternative Provision?