Welcome to

Apricot Tree

We are a non-profit organisation committed to serving learners aged 3 years and above with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. Our programs are designed to meet each child’s unique needs through specialised support and meaningful learning experiences.

Our ClassesMake a Donation

The Apricot Tree
Centre is a non-profit organisation in the East Rand.

Who We Are

Apricot Tree is an NPO in the East Rand dedicated to supporting the unique needs of special needs learners and their families. We are a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), which means all donations made to us are tax-deductible.

What We Do

Our aim is to provide the highest quality of care and specialised education, helping each learner grow, learn and reach their full potential. We support children and young adults with a wide range of intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities—many of whom cannot be accommodated in public or mainstream special needs schools.

Because every learner is unique, we develop an Individualised Support Plan (ISP) for each child and young adult. These personalised plans outline specific, achievable goals that guide learning, therapy and overall development. To ensure meaningful attention and support, our groups are kept small, with a maximum of seven learners per group. This allows us to give each child and young adult the individualised guidance, structure and nurturing they need for their best possible learning experience. Assisting them in reaching their full potential.

Lets Make A Difference with Woolies!

Join our cause and support us everytime you shop!

Apricot Tree Golf Day

Join us for a day on the greens in support of the Apricot Tree Foundation — where great

See Inside Our Specialized Groups

Apricot Tree Centre is committed to delivering high-quality stimulation and developmental programmes for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring every learner in each group has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

See Inside Our Specialized Groups

Apricot Tree Centre is committed to delivering high-quality stimulation and developmental programmes for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring every learner in each group has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Stimulation and Development

Red Group

The focus of this group is to build the foundational pre-requisite skills needed for learning. Emphasis is placed on developing joint attention, sustained focus, choice-making and turn-taking abilities. Learners engage in a multi-sensory approach that includes movement, tactile exploration and hands-on activities. Lessons incorporate concrete objects, music, visuals, Makaton signing and communication symbols to encourage early language development, engagement and meaningful exploration.

Yellow Group

The focus of this group is to establish a functional alternative and augmentative communication system for each learner. A multimodal approach is used, incorporating vocalisations, Makaton signs, gestures and both low-tech and high-tech devices to support functional literacy and numeracy. Communication systems are individualised and embedded in thematic lessons and daily routines. Learners are guided to use their devices to participate, make choices and complete social and academic tasks with increasing independence.

Blue Group

The focus of this group is to develop each learner’s pre-requisite learning skills alongside their alternative and augmentative communication abilities. Life-skills training is prioritised to promote independence, while supporting social and emotional development. Functional literacy and numeracy are embedded in daily living activities, helping learners apply these skills meaningfully. A multimodal communication approach is used throughout to ensure every learner can participate and express themselves confidently.

Lifestyle Skills and Development

At our Life Skills Centre, we help learners develop the practical skills they need for everyday living, independence, and future opportunities. Each learner is supported at their own level, with activities designed to build confidence and real-life competence.

 

Functional Literacy

Learners work with communication symbols, letters, sight words and basic reading. Literacy is taught through themes and real-life activities to keep learning meaningful and engaging.

Functional Numeracy

Numeracy is applied directly to daily living—such as shopping, handling money, and simple transactions—helping learners problem-solve and grow more independent.

Work & Independent Living Skills

Learners practise essential work habits and step-by-step independent living skills, encouraging responsibility and self-confidence.

Cooking & Baking

Cooking lessons are adapted to each learner’s abilities. Learners prepare simple meals, follow recipes and practise kitchen safety, promoting independence in a fun way.

Crafts & Creativity

Craft activities support fine motor skills, creativity and teamwork. Items created can also be sold, helping learners begin to understand simple entrepreneurial skills.

Woodwork

Learners explore basic woodwork—measuring, cutting, sanding and assembling simple projects. This builds hand-eye coordination, practical numeracy and problem-solving skills.

Our Services

Specialised Education & Support

Because every learner is unique, we create an Individualised Support Plan (ISP) for each child and young adult. These plans outline achievable goals that guide learning, therapy and overall development. Our groups are kept small—maximum seven learners—to ensure focused attention, personalised support and a nurturing environment. This approach helps every learner grow with confidence and reach their full potential.

Life & Vocational Skills Training

From baking and gardening to using communication devices and completing daily living tasks, we help young adults build practical skills that encourage independence, confidence and meaningful future opportunities.

Family & Community Support

We don’t just support our learners — we support their families too. Apricot Tree provides a safe, understanding space where parents, caregivers and the community feel included, valued and supported on the journey of raising and empowering children with special needs.

Therapies & Holistic Care

Our Centre offers a holistic range of therapies that support each learner’s social, emotional and developmental needs. Learners participate in music groups, movement therapy, social groups and integrated therapies tailored to their unique abilities. These programmes help build communication, confidence and overall wellbeing in a fun, supportive environment.

Upcoming Events

Thursday 28/05/2028 | Apricot Tree Golf Day

Join us for a day on the greens in support of the Apricot Tree Foundation — where great golf meets a great cause.

See their smiles. Feel their Happiness!

Watch our learners shine as they learn, play and grow in our carefully designed groups. Each image celebrates their creativity, progress and the meaningful moments that make Apricot Tree such a unique and nurturing place that feels like a home away from home.

Follow Us On Social Media To See More!

Contact us Anytime!

Apricot Tree Centre is committed to the stimulation and development of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.