Learning Support Assistant

The Orchard School was established in September 2000 following the reorganisation of provision for children with special educational needs in Sandwell. In September 2006, we moved into our current building which is brand new and purpose built with state of the art facilities. These include a music and drama studio, white and dark room studios, swimming and hydrotherapy pools and a sensory garden.

Our children range from 4 years to 11 years and all have complex and profound learning difficulties. These include severe autism, complex medical conditions, physical and mobility difficulties, as well as severe developmental delay. A number of our children present behavioural difficulties arising from their condition; many have communication difficulties.

Along with teaching and classroom support staff, the school is supported by a multi-agency team of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy colleagues, a teacher of the visually impaired and nursing staff. Teamwork has been an essential aspect of the success of the school.

The school has attained the ‘enhancing’ level of the Sandwell Quality Mark for Inclusion developed a strong programme to support inclusive practice. This takes place within the school itself, through offsite visits to support the curriculum and through dual registered placements for our children in mainstream settings. A number of children from mainstream schools also visit our school to share in lessons and activities.

We link closely with other educational agencies within the local authority to assist colleagues working with children with special educational needs. Through a referral process and by direct contact, our outreach programme offers support in a number of areas, to mainstream provision.