The Orchards Special School

28/07/2026

If you want to work in a school where children are at the centre of every decision, then The Orchards could be the school for you! We're looking for passionate Level 2 and Level 3 Teaching Assistants to join our wonderful team to help us champion remarkable children.

Please see our Vacancies page for more information

Are you interested in working for Bright Futures? To view current vacancies at Bright Futures click on the tab at the bottom of this page. This

27/06/2026

If you want to work in a school where children are at the centre of every decision, then The Orchards could be the school for you!

The Orchards is a specialist free school, which opened in September 2016, to support the learning needs of disabled pupils in the North of Trafford. Our bespoke and child centred curriculum is both dynamic and exciting and we are looking for practitioners who would like to join our team and deliver this curriculum for our pupils.

19/06/2026

Willowbank got creative this week with some lovely crafts to celebrate Father’s Day 👨‍👧‍👦💙 We hope our loved ones really enjoy their special gifts 🎁✨ We used communication boards to choose colours 🎨 and follow instructions step by step 😊

07/06/2026

‼️🌻 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PASSENGERS WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES TRAVELLING TO SPAIN 🇪🇸✈️

🚨 Assisted Travel Update – Please Read & Share 🚨

If you’re travelling through certain Spanish airports, there has been an important change regarding the Sunflower Lanyard 🌻

🟡 The UK Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is no longer recognised for access to Aena’s dedicated assistance security lanes.

Instead, passengers with hidden disabilities can apply for Aena’s Invisible Disability Badge ♿💙

✨ What does the badge provide?

✅ Access to dedicated security lanes (where available)
✅ Assisted passage through general security
✅ Easier identification for airport staff
✅ Only ONE badge needed per family or travel group 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

⚠️ Please note:
❌ It is NOT Fast Track
❌ It does NOT exempt you from security screening
📅 It is valid for ONE journey on the day of travel

📍 Available at selected Aena airports including:
✈️ Alicante
✈️ Barcelona
✈️ Fuerteventura
✈️ Gran Canaria
✈️ Ibiza
✈️ Lanzarote
✈️ Málaga
✈️ Menorca
✈️ Palma de Mallorca
✈️ Reus
✈️ Tenerife South

📝 HOW TO APPLY:

1️⃣ Complete the online application form at least 48 hours before travel
2️⃣ Accept the terms and enter passenger & flight details
3️⃣ Submit your application
4️⃣ Receive your badge by email 📧
5️⃣ Print it 🖨️ or save it to your phone 📱 and show it at the airport

🔗 Apply here:
https://www.aena.es/en/passengers/travellers/passengers-with-special-needs/invisible-disabilities/invisible-disabilities-badge.html

💙 Please share with anyone travelling to Spain who may benefit from this information.

21/05/2026

Riverside 3 completed the final week of their My City Manchester project 🏙️🐝 by continuing their Manchester Bee activity—what a fantastic journey! ✨

15/05/2026

Riverside 3 boys continued Part 4 of their My City Manchester project 🏙️🎨 This week they explored Manchester City Football Club, painting and layering blue tissue paper to create their own City-inspired artwork 💙⚽

09/05/2026

Riverside 3 boys continued part 3 of their My City Manchester project 🏙️🎨 This week they added one of the city’s most iconic football clubs—Manchester United ⚽

08/05/2026

The Riverside children had a fantastic time during outdoor learning creating a sensory path 🌿👣 They explored a variety of textures with their hands and feet and embraced the experience from start to finish! ✨