All pupils in Orchard follow a bespoke curriculum and timetable tailored to their individual needs, abilities and interests. The curriculum offer is based on aspects of the Early Years Statutory Framework and National Curriculum, with access to Pre-Entry and Entry Level qualifications when in Key Stage 4. Where possible pupils in Orchard will access the same curriculum as their peers across Fred Nicholson School, though this may be tailored to meet individual needs. Pupils in Orchard have a linked class within their Key Stage and where appropriate, they may access some of their lessons with their linked class.
We actively encourage our pupils to access our local community where possible, in order to further develop their understanding of the world and how to be successful within it. Regular opportunities are built into our curriculum for pupils to access local facilities, such as shops, libraries, cafes and leisure facilities. Our curriculum aims to promote pupils’ independence and provide opportunities to develop their life skills and access to the community.
Sensory and Emotional-Regulation
Within our curriculum, regular sensory and regulation opportunities are built into pupils’ daily timetables and are encouraged as needed throughout the day. We use Zones of Regulation to develop pupil’s emotional literacy and to support the development of self-regulation skills.
We work closely with our school Occupational Therapist to develop personalised sensory programmes for our pupils, including Sensory Circuits, Sensory Diets and the use of specialist equipment as required. Pupils have access to sensory spaces within Orchard and the wider site of Fred Nicholson School.
Communication and Interaction
Every opportunity is taken to encourage and support the pupils to interact socially, both during formal learning opportunities and unstructured time. Pupils are supported to communicate using a variety of tools, such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Signalong.
Intensive interaction is a 1:1 intervention used in Orchard to support children who are within the early stages of cognitive and communication development. It aims to develop children’s understanding of basic communication and support their use of facial expressions, actions, turn taking and vocalisations.
Attention Autism, sometimes referred to as ‘Bucket’, is an approach used within Orchard that supports the development of concentration skills, shared attention, and communication skills, including listening and taking turns. It provides pupils with shared experiences that are exciting, motivating, and worth communicating about. The approach helps pupils to understand and respond to structured and adult directed routines.
