The Orchard Curriculum

Our Curriculum Approach

At Bamford Academy we recognise that pupils accessing The Orchard have a wide range of strengths, needs and learning profiles. Our curriculum is therefore personalised, developmental and responsive.

It ensures every pupil can access meaningful learning that promotes progress, independence and wellbeing, while maintaining strong links to the whole-school curriculum.

Learning combines:

  • Play-based and experiential approaches
  • Structured teaching
  • Child-led exploration and curiosity
  • Direct teaching and targeted interventions
  • Supported participation in mainstream lessons and experiences

We believe all children should experience engaging, purposeful learning that helps them develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive - both in school and beyond.

Foundational Skills We Prioritise

The curriculum places particular emphasis on the skills that enable pupils to access learning successfully:

  • 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

How Learning is Planned

Individual learning pathways are shaped by:

  • Cherry Garden Branch Map outcomes
  • Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes (where applicable)
  • Professional recommendations
  • Parental views
  • Pupil voice

Personalised targets are woven into daily learning so that progress towards individual outcomes is consistent, meaningful and measurable.

High aspirations remain central. We carefully adapt learning so that every child experiences success while continuing to be appropriately challenged.

Inclusion at the Heart

A core principle of The Orchard is that pupils remain active members of the Bamford Academy community. Wherever possible, children access learning, enrichment, social experiences and curriculum activities alongside their mainstream peers. Time in The Orchard is designed to build the skills, confidence and independence needed for successful participation in the wider school.

Assessment & Progress

Progress is assessed and celebrated using Cherry Garden Branch Maps. This framework allows us to recognise and value the small-step achievements that traditional assessments may miss.

Progress is reviewed regularly with parents, class teachers, Orchard staff and external professionals where appropriate.

Provision Model

The Orchard offers a flexible blend of:

  • Personalised learning programmes
  • Structured teaching approaches
  • Communication and social communication interventions
  • Emotional and sensory regulation support
  • Attention and engagement activities
  • Independence and life skills development
  • Small-group learning and 1:1 intervention
  • Supported mainstream integration

Provision is always determined by assessment and individual need, not by diagnosis alone.

At The Orchard, we believe in every child.

Where roots grow. Potential blossoms. Futures flourish.

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