Orchard Education - 2025 NASS Awards finalist

Orchard Education, a special school in Lincolnshire, was recognised in the Breaking Barriers & Inclusion category for their inspiring work in cross-generational inclusion.

Over the past two years, Orchard Education's learners and local care home residents have built meaningful connections - reading stories, sharing crafts, teaching knitting, exploring sensory toys and much more. This project has not only enriched the lives of residents but has also developed learners’ communication, social and life skills, even inspiring some to pursue careers in health and social care.

Through its Personalised Learning Programme, the school developed a
meaningful partnership with a residential care home, creating inclusive, reciprocal experiences that support communication, confidence, life skills and wellbeing on both sides. Learners read to residents, share sensory tools, collaborate on arts and crafts and develop new skills through mutual teaching. This inclusive model challenges stereotypes and fosters empathy and respect, with learners requesting further opportunities to volunteer and pursue work experience in health and social care.

The outcomes are wide-reaching: 81% of pupils improved their reading scores; 71% made measurable gains in social communication through the Talkabout programme; and care home residents reported better engagement, hydration and emotional wellbeing. The school’s model is now expanding to other local settings and has become a sustainable feature of both Orchard’s curriculum and its wider community presence.