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The Hermitage School

Inspire, Learn, Achieve

The Orchard Centre

The Orchard Centre

The Orchard Centre is a specialist provision within The Hermitage School.  We have spaces for 16 children with special educational needs or disabilities whose primary need is moderate learning difficulties.  Children gain places by going through the annual Surrey panel which decides the best placement for a child.  The children are all members of a mainstream class but access some of their core learning in The Orchard Centre.

The purpose of the centre is to ensure that children are given the chance to reach their full potential at a level suitable for their needs.  Children work in small groups, supported by adults and the work is differentiated to support their individual targets.

Orchard Centre Curriculum

During the morning sessions children will work in The Orchard on their English and Maths skills at an appropriately differentiated level.  They also work on listening skills, life skills (including social and emotional development) as well as fine and gross motor activities.

In the afternoons, the children join their mainstream classes to cover subjects such as Science, History and Geography, PE and RE lessons.  The children have adult support and lessons are modified to meet individual learning needs.

Outside agency support

If a child needs additional support, we have access to advice from outside agencies.  Some of the outside agencies that we work with include Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and the Physical and Sensory Support Service.  We also have a Speech and Language Therapist and assistant who work with us on a weekly basis.

Trips and special events

The children who attend The Orchard have full access to clubs and activities run in the school. 

All children participate in school trips with parental permission and also have the opportunity to attend the Year 4, 5 and 6 residential trips.

The Orchard is able to offer a number of horse riding sessions each term.  The children also participate in a number of their own trips throughout the year, for example, to Pizza Express, Nower Wood and the local library.