Pupil Premium

At The Orchards School, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life, regardless of their background or personal challenges. As a completely child-led, special needs-focused school, we understand that each of our pupils has unique learning and development needs. The Pupil Premium funding is used to ensure that all our pupils, including those with a variety of disabilities, have equal access to high-quality education and support that enables them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

How We Use Pupil Premium Funding

We use our Pupil Premium funding to provide targeted support for pupils, with a focus on improving communication, social engagement, and life skills, while also working closely with families to provide a comprehensive, inclusive approach to education. Specifically, the funding is directed towards the following areas:

• Tailored Educational Support
  To ensure that each pupil reaches their full potential, the Pupil Premium funding is used to provide personalised, one-to-one support for pupils in areas where they may need additional help. This includes speech and language therapy, sensory support, and tailored interventions for behaviour, learning, and social skills. We work closely with external specialists to deliver these interventions, ensuring that our pupils receive the support they need in a way that is suited to their specific disabilities.
• Supporting Communication Needs
  Many of our pupils have complex communication needs, and we use the Pupil Premium to ensure they have access to the right tools and resources to express themselves effectively. This includes the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, social stories, and personalised communication strategies. By providing the right support in this area, we help to break down communication barriers and encourage greater social interaction, increasing both independence and confidence.
• Enhanced Family Engagement
  We recognise that families play a crucial role in supporting their children’s development, and we are committed to working closely with parents and carers. The Pupil Premium allows us to provide additional support to families, including training and workshops that help them understand and support their child’s disabilities and educational needs. We aim to equip parents with the tools and knowledge they need to provide consistent support at home, fostering a collaborative approach between school and family.
• Building Social and Emotional Skills
  We use Pupil Premium funding to support the development of social and emotional skills for our pupils. Through targeted social skills groups, therapeutic support, and opportunities for social interaction both within school and the wider community, we ensure that our pupils build self-esteem, resilience, and positive relationships with their peers. This approach helps them to develop the emotional intelligence they need to navigate both their school environment and the outside world.
• Enrichment Activities and Life Skills
  The Pupil Premium funding also supports the development of life skills, such as independence, self-care, and decision-making. Pupils participate in a wide range of enrichment activities, including trips, community engagement projects, and sensory experiences, which are designed to help them develop practical skills and increase their sense of belonging. We ensure these opportunities are available to all pupils, irrespective of their personal or financial circumstances.

Impact of Pupil Premium

The Pupil Premium funding has had a significant, positive impact on our pupils’ educational and personal development. By focusing on personalised support and inclusive practices, we have seen improvements in communication, social interaction, and self-confidence. Pupils are more engaged in their learning, better able to express themselves, and more confident in social situations.

Our holistic approach means that not only do we monitor academic progress, but we also track social and emotional development. Through regular assessments, feedback from parents, and observations from staff, we ensure that the impact of the funding is clear and measurable. For example, pupils who have received tailored support in speech and language have demonstrated improvements in their communication skills, while those who have participated in social skills groups have built stronger relationships with their peers.

Looking Ahead

We will continue to use the Pupil Premium funding to support the ongoing needs of our pupils, ensuring that each child has access to the resources and interventions they need to thrive. We will maintain a strong focus on working with families, supporting communication needs, and providing personalised interventions, while also looking for new and innovative ways to enrich the educational experience for our pupils.

By regularly reviewing our approach and gathering feedback from pupils, families, and staff, we will ensure that the Pupil Premium funding continues to have a lasting, positive impact on our pupils’ development, helping them reach their full potential, both academically and socially.