Inclusion and SEND

Equality Evaluations and Objectives

Orchard Academy Equality Objectives 2019-20

In line with the Equality Act 2010 at Orchard Academy we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers receiving services from the school, irrespective of race, gender, disability, faith or religion or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and are able to participate fully in school life.

Key Priorities:

• To promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through all appropriate curricular opportunities with particular reference to issues of equality and diversity.
• To reduce prejudice and increase understanding of equality through direct teaching across the curriculum.
• To promote cultural development and understanding through a rich range of experiences both in and beyond school.
• To continually consider how well the school ensures equality of opportunities for all its pupils.
• To raise the attainment in the following groups:
• Disadvantaged more able pupils’ in reading, writing and maths with a particular focus on reading.
• SEN pupils’ with EHCP’s.
• SEN support pupils’ in English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Boys and pupils with SEN including those with EHCP’s in science.

Click here to read the Local SEND Offer

Meet the Inclusion Team

The Inclusion Team are:

Mrs Ben Khedher - Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Fairbrother - Lead Aspen Higher-Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Clarke - SEND Coordinator - diane.clarke@orchard.emat.uk

Mrs James - Safeguarding Lead - sam.james@orchard.emat.uk

English as an Additional Language

Orchard Academy EAL statistics 

This year at Orchard Academy we have 146 (44%) children who speak English as an additional language at home. Across the school there are 27 different languages spoken from around the world:

We ensure that the school learning environment, teaching and learning and communication with all is as visual, interesting, engaging and informative as possible. Children’s competency in the English language is assessed and monitored during their time in our school. Where appropriate, additional strategies, support and interventions will be implemented to ensure that all children achieve their potential.

External Agencies

A Speech and Language Therapist works with the Department children weekly and another assesses and advises about children in mainstream as needed.

The school has access to specialist teachers and TAs as well as Educational Psychologists through Milton Keynes Council.

Agencies such as Children and Family Practice and CAMHS are contacted as needed.