Our History

The Acorn Centre has evolved hugely over the past few years - following its formation in 2013.

DSPL9 was one of the first areas to review their primary behaviour support, The Acorn Centre being it's pilot scheme.

After consultations with Primary Heads, it became clear there was a growing need in DSPL9 for a Behaviour Support Provision to be led by primary schools and a primary head teacher. The aim was to offer support to children and schools, supporting inclusion and to prevent exclusion.

The Behaviour Partnership Board continues to oversee the strategic development of the provision and includes primary head teachers from the DSPL9 area and the DSPL9 ISL manager. The board devised a tiered approach of support that is now used across all DSPL areas in Hertfordshire. At this time there was a pupil support base (PSB) in DSPL9 that had made a decision to not continue and therefore the decision was made to decommission the PSB and for a primary head teacher to oversee the new model of support. This went before the HCC cabinet and after a full consultation, it was agreed, and our new Tier 4 outreach and Tier 4/5 in-reach provision began to evolve.

After consulting with Primary Head teachers we looked for a site that was not attached to a school site - as this was deemed to be a barrier for some children with the highest need. It was decided that we needed an a space to support learning and build relationships. At the point of this change there was no classroom and no capital funding available to support this. With support from ISL leaders, advice from HCC estates, H&S at HCC and the goodwill of Carey’s builders and other contractors we had a small classroom base provided at no cost, which was in use at the Lincolnsfield Centre, Bushey. This became the main support unit for excluded and high risk children.

There continued to be a significant need within the area and the provision evolved. The team continually worked creatively to support all of the children, however a larger provision was considered, in line with other settings across Hertfordshire  - providing additional support.

In September 2024, The Acorn Centre relocated to South Oxhey - to a fully refurbished building, purposefully desgined and renovated to meet the needs of our children. Our provision is now bigger and well thought out, allowing us the space to meet our pupils' needs. 

Over time, our Behaviour Support Provision packages of support have evolved to include intense 1:1 outreach in school, and 1:1 In reach sessions at the Acorn Centre. During this support, we collaborate and work alongside schools with termly blocks of support.  We have also introduced carefully considered group inreach sessions - 'Kits and Squirrels', which are small group sessions at The Acorn Centre - led by our Specialist Teacher. To ensure we offer holistic support for our families we have our own Children's Counsellor, 'Acorn & Oak' sessions for children and parents to attend together, and opportunities for parents to receive valuable advice and signposting to support their child's journey.

We treat every child as an individual and aim to support every child, family and school in a way that is right for them.