Meet the Team

Hi I'm Stass!

I joined the Acorn Centre in November 2024, following their move to a new location and hearing about the provision for the first time. The new space created the opportunity for my role as a Behaviour Support Assistant. Since joining, I have had the privilege of working alongside specialist teachers and behaviour support practitioners to create a positive, therapeutic and nurturing environment for children who experience difficulties with self-regulation, emotional regulation and behaviours that may be challenging or arise from distress. 

What makes The Acorn Centre so special is the individualised approach we take. We recognise that every child is different and that behaviour is often a form of communication. Rather than simply focusing on the behaviour itself, we work to understand the needs behind it and provide children with the tools, strategies and relationships they need to feel safe, understood and successful. Most importantly, we support children to develop strategies that they can take with them and apply within their own school environment. 

Our support extends beyond the specialist setting. We also provide support within children's own school environments, collaborating with teachers and support staff to share practical strategies that can make a meaningful difference to a child's day-to-day experience. By helping school staff understand a child's individual needs and how best to support them, we can create greater consistency between settings and give children a much better opportunity to succeed. 

I have three years' experience working with children with Special Educational Needs across Key Stages 1 and 2. My first year was spent volunteering as a Teaching Assistant and 1:1 tutor in a primary school, supporting children of different ages and with a range of needs. I have subsequently spent two years at the Acorn Centre, where I have continued to develop my knowledge, skills and confidence within specialist behaviour support role. 

Working with children of this nature requires patience, empathy, consistency and a willingness to continually learn. At The Acorn Centre, I have been fortunate to access a wide range of training and resources, including Paediatric First Aid, as well as becoming a Thrive-licensed practitioner. Alongside this, there are ongoing opportunities to develop my understanding of behaviour, regulation and therapeutic approaches, allowing me to continually adapt and strengthen my practice. 

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the difference that the right support can make. A child who may initially struggle to engage, regulate or communicate their needs can, with the right environment and consistent support, begin to build confidence, develop new strategies and experience success. These moments may seem small, but for a child, their family and their school, they can represent a significant step forward. 

I am proud to be part of a team that looks beyond behaviour and sees the individual child. The Acorn Centre provides not only specialist support, but also knowledge, guidance and practical strategies to the schools and professionals around each child. By working together, we can help children feel understood, develop their independence and, most importantly, recognise that they can achieve much more than they may think they can. 

A child will do well if they can.