The Orchard: Communication and Interaction Provision
As part of our inclusive offer, Green Lane Primary Academy has developed The Orchard, a Communication and Interaction provision for a small number of Key Stage 2 pupils who require targeted support to access learning successfully.
The Orchard is an in-reach provision within our mainstream school, not a separate unit. Pupils remain members of their class and school community, with support carefully planned to build key foundations and strengthen access to classroom learning.
Why The Orchard Exists
Some pupils experience significant communication and interaction needs which mean that, even with strong universal provision, they are not yet able to access the classroom curriculum as intended. The Orchard provides a low-arousal, language-rich environment where pupils develop key foundations such as attention and listening, understanding and following instructions, vocabulary, narrative and social communication.
How The Orchard Works
Placement is guided by assessment, our Graduated Response and specialist advice where appropriate. Support is:
- time-limited
- outcome-focused
- reviewed regularly
Pupils typically access The Orchard in the mornings and return to their classes in the afternoons, protecting belonging, friendships and curriculum entitlement, while ensuring skills transfer into everyday learning.
Reintegration
The long-term aim of The Orchard is always successful reintegration. As pupils make progress and use skills more independently in class, time in The Orchard is reduced so support remains ambitious and focused on independence.
