The Orchards, located in Flixton, Manchester, is a special school that opened as a free school in September 2016. It caters to pupils with complex learning difficulties, including those with autism spectrum disorder and severe learning difficulties. The school has a strong focus on providing a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive and make good progress from their starting points. The leadership team, under the head of school, has successfully transformed the school into a place where pupils feel safe and valued, leading to improved attendance and engagement.
The school has been rated as good in all areas, including leadership and management, teaching and learning, personal development, behavior, welfare, and outcomes for pupils. The local governing body plays an active role in supporting school improvement, and leaders have established effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education. The curriculum is highly personalized, designed to meet the individual needs of each pupil, and is enriched with a variety of engaging activities that promote learning and development.
Pupils benefit from a stable staff team, and the quality of teaching is characterized by strong relationships between staff and pupils. Teachers are knowledgeable and skilled in adapting their teaching to meet the diverse needs of their students. The school places a strong emphasis on developing key skills in communication, social interaction, and emotional well-being, which are essential for the pupils' overall development.
The early years provision is also rated as good, providing a stimulating learning environment that supports children's development from a young age. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding and ensure that all pupils are cared for and supported effectively. The school has made significant improvements to its facilities, although further enhancements are still needed to maximize learning opportunities.
Despite the positive outcomes, there are areas for improvement. The school aims to refine the precision of learning targets set for pupils to ensure they are tailored to individual needs. Additionally, communication with parents regarding staffing changes and school developments could be enhanced. The behavior policy is in need of an update to reflect the good practices established within the school.
Overall, The Orchards is a school that has made considerable strides in providing a high-quality education for its pupils. The commitment of the leadership team, staff, and governors to continuous improvement is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes in the future. The positive feedback from parents and the evident progress made by pupils highlight the effectiveness of the school's approach to education and care.
