The Orchard is Bamford Academy’s specialist Internal Inclusive Provision. It is a calm, nurturing and highly inclusive space designed for pupils with complex special educational needs and disabilities who need a more personalised approach to learning and development. 

Just as every tree in an orchard grows at its own pace and needs different levels of care, we recognise that every child has unique strengths, needs and aspirations. Through specialist support, strong relationships and ambitious expectations, we help every child develop the communication, emotional regulation, social and learning skills they need to access school successfully and fulfil their potential - while remaining a valued member of the Bamford Academy community. 

The Orchard is not a separate school. It enhances mainstream education and works to maximise meaningful inclusion wherever possible. 

Launching September 2026. 

Our Vision 

Rooted in the belief that every child can achieve and thrive, The Orchard provides specialist support, intervention and guidance so pupils can grow, belong, communicate and succeed at their own pace. 

Core Principles 

• Belonging - Every child is a valued member of Bamford Academy. 
• Nurture - Positive relationships help children feel safe, understood and supported. 
• Inclusion - We maximise opportunities to learn and socialise alongside peers. 
• Individuality - Provision is tailored to each child’s strengths, interests and needs. 
• Independence - We build confidence, resilience and lifelong skills. 
• High Expectations - We celebrate progress in all its forms. 
• Partnership - School, families and professionals work together. 

What makes The Orchard special? 

• A safe, low-arousal, communication-friendly environment 
• Personalised learning programmes and structured teaching 
• Strong focus on social communication, emotional regulation and independence 
• Small-group and 1:1 interventions alongside supported mainstream integration 
• Play-based, experiential and structured approaches 
• Evidence-informed practice guided by the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and related legislation 

Explore The Orchard in more detail 

Want to know more about the people, the learning and the tools that make The Orchard special? 

Meet the Team 

Get to know the experienced, caring professionals who support every child in The Orchard. 

Understanding Cherry Garden Branch Maps 

Discover the visual, small-step assessment system we use to celebrate progress and plan next steps for each child. 

The Orchard Curriculum 

Learn how we design personalised, developmental learning that builds communication, independence and confidence while keeping strong links with the wider school. 

Our Curriculum & Assessment 

Learning in The Orchard is personalised, developmental and closely linked to the whole-school curriculum. We place particular emphasis on foundational skills: 

• Communication and Interaction 
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development 
• Physical Development and Sensory Regulation 
• Cognition and Learning 
• Independence and Life Skills 
• Attention, Engagement and Readiness to Learn 

Progress is assessed and celebrated using Cherry Garden Branch Maps - a unique small-step framework designed for children with complex learning needs. 

Our Team 

The Orchard is led by our SENDCo and staffed by experienced SEND specialists who receive ongoing training. See the full Meet the Team page for detailed profiles of Mr Shepherd, Mrs Ingham, Mrs Forden and Miss Stafford. 

How placement works 

Placement is based on individual need, not diagnosis. It forms part of Bamford Academy’s graduated approach (Assess–Plan–Do–Review). 

Pupils may be considered when high-quality teaching and ordinarily available provision have been carefully tried and significant barriers remain. Parents/carers are fully involved in every discussion. Placements are reviewed at least termly, and transitions back into increased mainstream time are always gradual, planned and individualised. 

Full entry, review and exit criteria are set out in our Support Base Policy. 

Working with families 

We believe parents and carers are the experts in their child. 

• Regular updates and photos shared via Tapestry 
• Access to individual targets and provision through our Provision Map system 
• Parents’ Evenings led by the SENDCo and Orchard staff 
• Full involvement in reviews and Annual Reviews (for pupils with EHCPs) 
• Open, honest and supportive communication at every stage 

At The Orchard, we believe in every child. Where roots grow. Potential blossoms. Futures flourish. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is The Orchard a separate school or unit? 

No. It is an Internal Inclusive Provision within Bamford Academy. Pupils remain members of the wider school community and access mainstream learning and social experiences wherever possible. 

2. Who can access The Orchard? 

Access is based on clear criteria and individual need. Pupils must already be on the school’s SEND Register and have significant barriers that remain despite high-quality classroom support. Placement is agreed with parents after careful assessment. 

3. How is progress measured? 

We use Cherry Garden Branch Maps to track small-step developmental progress, alongside EHCP outcomes (where applicable), teacher observations and regular reviews with families. 

4. Will my child still be part of their mainstream class? 

Yes. A key principle is meaningful inclusion. The amount of time spent in The Orchard is flexible and reviewed regularly, with the aim of building the skills needed for successful participation alongside peers. 

5. How will I know what is happening and how my child is doing? 

You will receive regular Tapestry observations linked to your child’s targets, access to the Provision Map system, and dedicated meetings with the SENDCo and Orchard staff. 

Useful links 

• The Orchard Support Base Policy (full document) 
• The Orchard Curriculum 
• Bamford Academy SEND Policy 
• Tapestry Parent Guide 
• SEND Code of Practice 2015
• Children and Families Act 2014