The Orchard Curriculum at Leighton Academy
The Orchard at Leighton Academy is a specialist provision for primary‑aged pupils with a range of cognition and learning needs, including speech and language difficulties.
Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and child‑centred, designed to support pupils’ academic learning, communication, independence and personal development. It is based on an adapted National Curriculum, carefully personalised to meet individual needs.
We recognise that pupils learn best through repetition, clear structure and carefully sequenced experiences. Learning is matched to pupils’ developmental stages and builds over time to support understanding and retention. At the centre of all planning and learning is each child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Our curriculum provides a broad and balanced primary curriculum, adapted to ensure it is accessible, meaningful and engaging for all pupils.
- Each child’s EHCP forms the foundation of their personalised learning programme.
- Pupils are assessed on entry through observation and professional judgement to identify starting points.
- Learning is sequenced and progressive, combining academic learning with personal development and life skills.
The curriculum is organised around four key areas:
- Academic Learning
- Life Skills and Independence
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Additional Therapies, such as Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, where appropriate
Planning takes place across long‑term, medium‑term and weekly plans, with weekly plans personalised and adapted as needed. Activities within lessons may differ between pupils to ensure learning is appropriate and inclusive.
Pupils have long‑term outcomes linked to their EHCPs, which are monitored regularly and reviewed at least termly. Progress is recorded using PIVATs.
All pupils at The Orchard are supported to make the best possible progress from their individual starting points.
Our curriculum enables pupils to:
- Develop communication and interaction skills
- Build confidence and emotional wellbeing
- Increase independence and self‑help skills
- Be well prepared for their next stage of education
We aim for our pupils to leave The Orchard as confident learners, ready to transition successfully into the next phase of their education with the skills and support they need to thrive.
What is The Orchard?
The Orchard is a specialist SEN Unit within Leighton Academy for up to 20 pupils. It supports children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with primary needs in:
- Cognition and Learning
- Speech, Language and Communication
Children remain part of Leighton Academy but spend their time learning and playing in our dedicated, supportive environment.
From the start, experienced staff help children settle into routines, using visual supports and structured approaches so they understand what is happening and can feel calm and confident. We support children to communicate in a range of ways (speech, visuals, and other communication methods).
What support do children receive?
We focus on the whole child, including:
- Communication and language development
- Social interaction skills
- Emotional regulation
- Independence and life skills
Children take part in a range of sensory and physical activities in a safe and nurturing environment. Daily sensory circuits help prepare them for learning.
Facilities
The Orchard includes:
- Two classrooms with small group and quiet learning spaces
- A sensory room / calming space
- Outdoor play area
- Dedicated toilets and changing area
What is learning like?
We aim to create a calm, structured and happy environment where children feel secure.
Children follow the National Curriculum, adapted to meet their needs, with a strong focus on:
- Academic learning
- Life skills and independence
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Additional therapies such as speech and language
Progress is tracked using specialist tools including the PIVATs.
School day and attendance
- Day starts: 9:15am
- Day ends: 3:00pm
Good attendance and punctuality are very important to help your child settle and learn. Staff are available at the gate each morning. If possible, save non-urgent messages for the end of the day.
Supporting your child
Children have individual targets, set with professionals such as speech therapists. These are shared each term through their school support plan and reviewed regularly with parent input. Staff are always happy to discuss how to support your child at home.
How to access The Orchard
To be considered, your child must have an EHCP stating placement in a mainstream school with a specialist resource provision.
If your child is already in a school, you can request a placement change through an Annual or Interim Review, coordinated by the Local Authority.
Admissions are based on:
- Appropriate age
- Identified needs in cognition and speech/language
- Evidence that specialist support will benefit the child
When a place may not be offered
A place at The Orchard may not be agreed if:
- It would affect the safety or wellbeing of other pupils or staff
- It would have a negative impact on the learning of children already in the unit
- All funded places are already full and admitting another child would affect the quality of provision
- There is not a shared agreement between school and home about the strategies used, or families are unable to support these approaches
Important notes
- A place at Leighton Academy does not automatically mean a place in The Orchard
Places are limited and agreed by the Local Authority
The Orchard at Leighton Academy is a specialist provision for primary‑aged pupils with a range of cognition and learning needs, including speech and language difficulties.
Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and child‑centred, designed to support pupils’ academic learning, communication, independence and personal development. It is based on an adapted National Curriculum, carefully personalised to meet individual needs.
We recognise that pupils learn best through repetition, clear structure and carefully sequenced experiences. Learning is matched to pupils’ developmental stages and builds over time to support understanding and retention. At the centre of all planning and learning is each child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Our curriculum provides a broad and balanced primary curriculum, adapted to ensure it is accessible, meaningful and engaging for all pupils.
- Each child’s EHCP forms the foundation of their personalised learning programme.
- Pupils are assessed on entry through observation and professional judgement to identify starting points.
- Learning is sequenced and progressive, combining academic learning with personal development and life skills.
The curriculum is organised around four key areas:
- Academic Learning
- Life Skills and Independence
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Additional Therapies, such as Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, where appropriate
Planning takes place across long‑term, medium‑term and weekly plans, with weekly plans personalised and adapted as needed. Activities within lessons may differ between pupils to ensure learning is appropriate and inclusive.
Pupils have long‑term outcomes linked to their EHCPs, which are monitored regularly and reviewed at least termly. Progress is recorded using PIVATs.
All pupils at The Orchard are supported to make the best possible progress from their individual starting points.
Our curriculum enables pupils to:
- Develop communication and interaction skills
- Build confidence and emotional wellbeing
- Increase independence and self‑help skills
- Be well prepared for their next stage of education
We aim for our pupils to leave The Orchard as confident learners, ready to transition successfully into the next phase of their education with the skills and support they need to thrive.
Curriculum Overview
In our Primary Department, children learn within two groups:
- Saplings
- The Grove
We recognise that every child learns differently. Our curriculum is carefully adapted to meet individual needs, helping each child to build confidence, develop key life skills and make progress at their own pace.
Learning Approach
Children in Saplings and The Grove follow a structured and supportive learning journey. Learning is practical, engaging and supported by familiar routines and visuals to help children feel secure and ready to learn.
Topics
All children take part in half-termly topics, which make learning meaningful and link different subjects together in an engaging way.
English
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. We use visual supports, such as communication and vocabulary mats, throughout the day.
Children take part in:
- Reading activities
- Writing activities
- Speaking and listening opportunities
They also enjoy:
- Daily reading
- Regular phonics sessions
Maths
Saplings: Maths is taught through practical activities, play and communication
- The Grove: Maths is taught in more structured lessons, while still using practical resources to support understanding
Science
- Saplings: Science is explored through play, communication and hands-on experiences
- The Grove: Science is taught weekly through practical and engaging activities
Wider Learning
Children also take part in a range of other important areas:
- Computing: built into everyday learning
- PSHE: includes outdoor learning and cooking, alongside daily support for social and emotional development
- Physical Development / PE:
- Saplings: daily movement and physical activity
- The Grove: daily activity, sensory circuits plus weekly PE sessions
- Music: weekly sessions linked to topics
- Foundation Subjects: (e.g. Art, History, Geography, DT, RE) taught through fun, practical and sensory experiences