St Peter and St Paul CE Academy in Syston is delighted to announce the official opening of The Orchard, a brand-new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision designed to offer an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment for pupils. This marks a significant milestone in the academy’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education tailored to their individual needs.

As a funded and controlled unit by the Local Authority, The Orchard represents a collaborative effort to enhance SEND support in the local area. The academy is proud to be working in close partnership with the Local Authority to ensure children receive the specialised provision they deserve, delivered by dedicated and skilled staff. The academy would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Local Authority for their ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

To mark the occasion, the academy hosted a grand opening celebration. The event featured a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Reverend Ros Harper from St Peter and St Paul's Church, Syston, who officially opened the provision. Guests enjoyed a wonderful performance from the school choir and samples of delicious food provided by Relish Catering. Attendees were also given a guided tour of the new facilities, where they could see firsthand the thoughtfully designed spaces that will support pupils’ learning, development, and wellbeing.

Headteacher Sophie Moss expressed her pride and gratitude during the event, saying:

"The opening of The Orchard is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our staff. They have poured their hearts into creating a space where every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. We are already seeing how well the children have settled in, and it is wonderful to witness the positive impact this provision is having on their confidence and engagement with learning."

The school would also like to extend a special thank you to Mark Berrill and his team at ymd boon, whose expertise and support ensured that the planning and building process was seamless from start to finish. Their professionalism and commitment have helped bring The Orchard to life.

With its doors now open, The Orchard stands as a beacon of inclusivity and innovation—reflecting St Peter and St Paul CE Academy’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all pupils.