The Orchard

The Orchard offers bespoke support to our students for their social, emotional and mental health needs.  The team at The Orchard consists of the Inclusion Manager and a team of 4 SEMH and Inclusion Assistants who will support students in their lessons, in 1-1 mentoring sessions or in group intervention programmes as required.  The team work collaboratively with all staff, external agencies, and families to support the holistic development of the student. We also have two school counsellors and a child protection officer all working together to ensure every student at Meadow Park school can be supported in nurturing excellence, thriving together and growing aspirations.

At The Orchard we have a welcoming family room for meetings with parents. We also have a Bistro and kitchen where we can offer breakfast to students who would like some. As well as a dedicated counselling room, we have 2 classrooms, a 1-1 space and a dedicated sensory rich space for emotional regulation when needed, and a garden.

Everyone at some point needs some extra support, and the Inclusion Team at The Orchard provide a safe and welcoming space when it is needed.  Student well-being is at the heart of what we do, and removing barriers to learning to ensure all students can achieve their full potential is our collective priority.

The SEMH and Inclusion team offer a range of interventions and support including:

• Solution Focused Mentoring
• Anger Management
• Co-regulation support
• Bespoke support plans
• Lesson check-ins
• Anxiety Support
• Positive Relations
• Protective Behaviours
• MHST ( mental health in schools team) workshops
• Referral to MHST
• Referrals to school nursing service

If you would like further information about The Orchard or have any questions about the support we provide, please contact the school and ask to speak to Mrs Harding.

The Sensory Room is situated at The Orchard within Meadow Park School and has been praised by many external agencies including OFSTED who deemed it to be a ‘very positive initiative’. The Sensory room is used for a wide range of activities and interventions which include reward sessions, circle time, mentoring and counselling, to name but a few. As well as these interventions the Sensory room is particularly significant in supporting pupils with sensory impairment. The sensory room gives students the opportunity for relaxation and down time, as well as providing them with a stimulating space for creativity and personal reflection.

The Sensory room is currently equipped with a sensory tent, various light resources including a wall of fairy lights, a projector which displays soothing images, a black board for students to write or draw their feelings, as well as objects to hold, squeeze or take anger out on.

The Inclusion Team organise family events every half term where parents/carers are invited to take part in some of the activities on offer and meet the staff who are supporting their son/daughter. The main purpose of holding these events is to build positive relationships with the families of our students as well as providing a fun and enjoyable experience for the children to enjoy with their parents/carers. These events are well attended, and we have received lots of positive feedback. If you would like more information on when /what the next event will be or have any other questions about the support on offer at The Orchard, please call and ask to speak to Mrs Harding.

‘Well-being’ is a personal evaluation of how we feel about and experience our lives. Well-being, positive mental health, and mental well-being are often used interchangeably, although ‘well-being’ is also used in a broader sense to include physical health.

In the sense being used here, well-being includes:

• How we feel
• How we think
• Relationships
• Meaning & Purpose in life

As a school it is our duty to ensure students, staff and parents remain motivated, engaged, and healthy during challenging times.

There are many things to consider when thinking about your own and others personal well-being:

• Eating Well
• Staying active or getting active
• Getting connected- friendships
• Keeping up with regular health checks
• Staying safe
• Having fun