At The Orchard School, everyone matters and everyone cares.
We want every pupil to feel safe, valued and able to grow. This page brings together our School Performance Summary and our School Improvement priorities so families, partners and visitors can see how the school is doing and what we are working on next.
Our School Improvement Priorities (SIP 2025–2026)
Our School Improvement Plan sets out what we are focusing on this year. These priorities are rooted in our Mission, Vision and Values and support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development.
Safeguarding
Regular safeguarding training for all staff
Stronger pupil voice and safety curriculum
Clear safeguarding information across the school
Ongoing review of digital and AI-related risks
Inclusion
Consistent delivery of EHCP outcomes
Better use of Assistive Technology in lessons
Stronger progress for disadvantaged pupils
Fair access to enrichment, leadership and support
Curriculum and Teaching
Clear sequencing and end points in all subjects
Reading for Life embedded across the school
Whole-school writing strategy introduced
Adaptive learning and AI tools used more effectively
Achievement
Improved tracking of academic and SEMH progress
Pathway reviews for SEND pupils
Targeted support to narrow gaps for disadvantaged learners
Attendance and Behaviour
Focus on raising attendance above 83 percent
Reduction of persistent absence through personalised plans
Consistent use of Therapeutic Thinking
Early intervention tools and more pupil leadership roles
Personal Development and Wellbeing
Expanded life skills, enrichment and outdoor learning
Stronger cultural capital and community engagement
Wellbeing initiatives for pupils and staff
Continued development of therapeutic support
Leadership and Governance
Mission, Vision and Values embedded across all practice
Coaching culture for all staff
Robust governor monitoring
Continued contribution to national AI pilot and sector work
Our School Improvement Priorities (SIP 2025–2026)
Our School Improvement Plan sets out what we are focusing on this year. These priorities are rooted in our Mission, Vision and Values and support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development.
Safeguarding
Regular safeguarding training for all staff
Stronger pupil voice and safety curriculum
Clear safeguarding information across the school
Ongoing review of digital and AI-related risks
Inclusion
Consistent delivery of EHCP outcomes
Better use of Assistive Technology in lessons
Stronger progress for disadvantaged pupils
Fair access to enrichment, leadership and support
Curriculum and Teaching
Clear sequencing and end points in all subjects
Reading for Life embedded across the school
Whole-school writing strategy introduced
Adaptive learning and AI tools used more effectively
Achievement
Improved tracking of academic and SEMH progress
Pathway reviews for SEND pupils
Targeted support to narrow gaps for disadvantaged learners
Attendance and Behaviour
Focus on raising attendance above 83 percent
Reduction of persistent absence through personalised plans
Consistent use of Therapeutic Thinking
Early intervention tools and more pupil leadership roles
Personal Development and Wellbeing
Expanded life skills, enrichment and outdoor learning
Stronger cultural capital and community engagement
Wellbeing initiatives for pupils and staff
Continued development of therapeutic support
Leadership and Governance
Mission, Vision and Values embedded across all practice
Coaching culture for all staff
Robust governor monitoring
Continued contribution to national AI pilot and sector work
School Performance Summary (SEF Overview)
We review our performance throughout the year and evaluate our work against the Ofsted framework. The summary below reflects our current position.
Safeguarding – Effective
Safeguarding is strong. Staff are well trained, pupils know how to get help and systems are used consistently. Online safety and digital awareness are taught proactively.
Inclusion – Strong
Inclusion is a key strength. EHCP outcomes are monitored closely, provision for SEND and disadvantaged pupils is improving and all pupils are supported to access learning and enrichment.
Curriculum and Teaching – Expected with Strong Features
The curriculum is ambitious and increasingly well sequenced. Reading has improved through the introduction of systematic phonics. Teaching continues to strengthen through coaching, learning walks and reflective practice.
Achievement – Expected Standard
Pupils make good progress from low starting points. Reading, communication and vocational outcomes are improving. All pupils move on to education, employment or training.
Attendance and Behaviour – Expected Standard
Behaviour is calm and purposeful, shaped by Therapeutic Thinking. Incidents continue to reduce. Attendance remains a priority, with personalised support for pupils who face the greatest barriers.
Personal Development and Wellbeing – Strong
Pupils develop confidence, resilience and belonging through enrichment, cultural capital experiences, outdoor learning and a strong values-led curriculum. Staff wellbeing is supported through coaching and shared problem-solving.
Leadership and Governance – Strong with Emerging Exceptional Features
Leadership is ambitious and reflective. Governors offer effective challenge. The school has moved from intervention to stability and improvement with a clear direction of travel.
We have summarised the key points for families on this page, but you can also read the complete School Improvement Plan here: