Placement and Pathways

ASC Specialist Setting - Clockface Site

Placement

The Orchard is our ASC Specialist Setting, designed to support children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Placement at The Orchard is made through a child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), in consultation with the Local Authority, and is dependent on the child’s individual needs.

The Orchard provides an appropriate educational setting for children in Key Stage 1 and 2 who experience difficulties with social communication, language, or accessing mainstream education due to a primary diagnosis of ASC. Pupils follow a specialist curriculum adapted from the EQUALS framework, tailored to meet their individual learning needs.

Curriculum Pathways

Children at The Orchard are placed on one of three curriculum pathways — Informal, Semi-Formal, or Formal — according to their individual needs. Each pathway is designed to support learning, communication, and social development, helping every child reach their potential.

Classrooms are equipped with specialist resources and led by trained teachers. At The Orchard, we are proud to offer a thoughtfully designed environment that supports the diverse needs of our learners. Pupils benefit from access to two state-of-the-art, interactive sensory rooms, providing immersive experiences that support emotional regulation, sensory exploration, and wellbeing. In addition, we offer a dedicated nurture space and a range of break-out areas where children can receive personalised support in a calm, focused setting.

Every classroom has direct access to an outdoor learning area, allowing pupils to connect with nature, engage in active learning, and enjoy regular movement breaks. With a high staff-to-child ratio and a team of highly trained professionals, we ensure that each child experiences a safe, engaging, and purposeful learning journey tailored to their unique strengths and needs.