Orchard Therapeutic Farm - Alternative Provision

As the end of our first full academic year at the Barn comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on just how much our young people have achieved.
This year has been filled with growth, courage, resilience and countless moments that have reminded us why the Barn is such a special place. From welcoming new young people into our community to watching friendships develop, we have seen kindness, patience and support shown every day.
We have taken learning beyond the Barn through community visits, wildlife experiences, crayfishing trips and ASDAN activities, helping young people build confidence, independence and real-world skills.
🐾 Our animals have continued to play a huge part in Barn life, supporting emotional regulation, responsibility, empathy and connection. Whether meeting up with Nero the dog, caring for rats, chickens, ducklings, goats or larger farm animals, our young people have demonstrated compassion and dedication throughout the year.
🌎 Our themed learning journeys have taken us from Japan to Italy and Greece, bringing culture, creativity and life skills together through cooking, art, practical projects and hands-on experiences.
🤝 We have seen young people support one another, welcome new starters, take on leadership opportunities, work together on group projects and develop confidence in their communication and social skills.
🌱 From learning essential life skills and practising fire drills to preparing meals, managing responsibilities, completing projects and developing independence, every achievement.
📖 For our older young people, this year has also been about looking ahead. We are incredibly proud of those taking their next steps towards college, Post-16 pathways, work experience and transitions into wider farm-based opportunities. The growth in maturity, confidence and self-belief has been wonderful to see.
🧘‍♀️ Most importantly, we have witnessed countless examples of resilience. Young people trying something new, overcoming challenges, using strategies to regulate emotions, asking for help when needed, and continuing to move forward—one step at a time.

As we move towards the end of the academic year, we’re incredibly proud of the progress our secondary young people have made as they begin preparing for their next steps into Post-16 pathways, college place,ents and transition opportunities across the Farm provision.

Over recent weeks we’ve seen young people taking on a greater responsibility through ASDAN Foodwise, practical life skills, animal care, cooking, leadership opportunities and collaborative projects, all designed to build confidence for adulthood and future learning environments. Young people have planned meals, followed recipes, managed responsibilities, supported peers and developed increasing independence in real world tasks.

🐾 Confidence Through Responsibility
From caring for animals and supporting younger peers to taking leadership roles during activities and demonstrating excellent behaviour during fire drills and group tasks, our young people are showing growing maturity and readiness for their next stage.

🌿 Transitioning to New Environments
A particular highlight has been the beginning of transition experiences into wider Farm settings. Although new environments can feel overwhelming, we’ve seen young people demonstrate resilience by using the regulation strategies they have developed at the Barn, accessing support when needed and successfully re-engaging with activities.

🧠 Building Emotional Resilience
One of the greatest achievements this year has been the growth in self-awareness.
Young people are becoming increasingly skilled at recognising when they need movement, space, support, or a trusted adult, enabling them to navigate challenges with greater confidence.

🤝 Supporting Each Other
We continue to see fantastic examples of peer support, team work and encouragement. Whether helping younger learners, working alongside peers during cooking sessions or modelling positive behaviour in group situations, our secondary learners are becoming positive role models within the Barn community.

✨ Every step matters, and we are incredibly proud of how far our young people have come. We are excited to continue supporting them as they take their next steps towards their futures.

From Outreach to the Barn, and beyond. 🤍

Every student who began their journey in our Outreach program has now transitioned into the Barn, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come.

Watching their confidence, skills, and independence grow has been an incredible privilege. Now, many are taking their next big steps some are preparing to transition to the Farm, while others are heading off to college.

Seeing each student continue to grow and pursue their own path is exactly why we do what we do. We can’t wait to see what comes next for every one of them. 🌱✨

We’ve reached the halfway point of the term, and it’s been incredible to see the progress, confidence and connection growing across the Barns

🤝A Truly Supportive Community
One of the biggest highlights has been how warmly our young people have welcomed our new starters. From helping with routines and activities to forming new friendships through games and shared interests, there has been a real sense of kindness, patience and inclusion.

🌱 Growing Confidence & Independence
Young people are becoming increasingly independent —preparing meals, completing Barn Book work, making choices, and taking responsibility for tasks such as cleaning, organising and animal care.

🏛️ Bringing Greece to Life
Our Greece theme has supported meaningful, engaging learning — from exploring maps and Greek gods to practical maths, creative projects and cultural discussions.
Young people are showing curiosity and building knowledge through hands-on experiences

🍝 Life Skills in Action
Cooking continues to be a highlight with young people following recipes, measuring ingredients and working together to prepare meals. These experiences are building confidence, sequencing skills and teamwork.

🐾 Animal Care & Therapeutic Support
Animal-assisted interactions remain at the heart of the Barn — supporting emotional regulation, empathy and connection Feeding animals, caring for them and spending time outdoors continues to have a positive impact on wellbeing

🧘‍♀️ Emotional Growth & Resilience
We ve seen fantastic progress in self-regulation and restlence with young people beginning to recognise their needs take space when needed, and return to learning with support.

✨ Smaller steps, big progress.
Whether it’s trying something new, building new friendships, managing challenges or showing kindness to others, every step forward is being celebrated, and we could not be prouder

There’s something truly special about watching children who first came to us through outreach now thriving within our Barn Provision. 💛

To see the confidence growing, the friendships forming, the laughter filling the space, and the sense of belonging shining through is nothing short of incredible. Every smile, every achievement, every moment of connection reminds us why this work matters so much.

These amazing young people inspire us every single day. Their resilience, kindness, courage and unique personalities make our barn such a wonderful place to be. We are so proud of how far they have come and excited for all that lies ahead for them.

A huge thank you also goes to our incredible team, who show up day after day with patience, compassion, encouragement and unwavering dedication. The relationships they build and the care they provide create the safe, nurturing environment where our children can flourish.

Watching these children interact, support one another and simply enjoy being children is a privilege we never take for granted. We couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them. ❤️

We love our visits to Benson Care Home, and they are always a wonderfulexperience for our young people, the residents, and our animals alike!

Our students did a fantastic job, confidently engaging with residents and supporting them to interact with the animals, while ensuring their welfare throughout.

What a lovely trip!

empower

Join the team at Orchard Therapeutic Farm, an award-winning alternative provision supporting children and young people with SEMH and SEND needs.

We're looking for an organised, professional and proactive Operations Administrator to play a central role in the smooth running of our provision. From supporting safeguarding and HR processes to coordinating communications, attendance, compliance and day-to-day administration, you'll help create the systems and structure that allow our team and learners to thrive.

This term-time role offers a salary of £26,000–£28,000 FTE, alongside benefits including a company pension, health and wellbeing programme, employee discounts and free on-site parking. You'll be joining a supportive, values-led team where your work will make a genuine difference to the lives of young people every day.

If you enjoy organisation, communication and being at the heart of a busy and rewarding environment, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply or find out more, go to https://uk.indeed.com/job/education-operations-administrator-84803b0d2675cc79