Laying the foundations for safety, learning and trust.

Our Primary Phase supports pupils in Years 2 to 6 who may have experienced significant barriers to learning — from disrupted placements to trauma or unmet needs. At The Orchard School, we provide a calm, nurturing and predictable environment where pupils can re-engage with learning at their own pace.

We focus on emotional safety, consistency and connection before anything else. Only when a child feels safe and valued can they begin to thrive academically and socially.

What Learning Looks Like in Primary

• Core Skills: English, Maths and Reading are prioritised daily using small-step, responsive teaching.
• Regulation First: Sensory and therapeutic opportunities are embedded throughout the day to support emotional readiness.
• Topic-Based Curriculum: Learning across the wider curriculum (Science, Humanities, Art, DT) is delivered through themed topics designed to capture interest and build general knowledge.
• Communication & PSHE: Pupils learn how to name, express and manage feelings through dedicated sessions in PSHE, Zones of Regulation and social stories.
• Outdoor Learning & Enrichment: All pupils access outdoor experiences to develop confidence, curiosity and social interaction.
• Personalised Pathways: Each pupil’s learning is shaped by their EHCP outcomes and individual needs, reviewed regularly with the team around them.

Phonics and Early Reading

We use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme to support early reading and phonics development. This continues through to Key Stage 4 for pupils who need it, ensuring no learner is left behind in developing essential literacy. Sessions are tailored to each pupil’s starting point and delivered regularly to build decoding skills, fluency, and confidence.

We also embed reading opportunities across the curriculum to help pupils apply their skills functionally — supporting understanding, communication and lifelong learning.