What is the Acorn Centre?

The Acorn Centre is a ‘Primary Behaviour Support Provision’ under the leadership of Warrendell school, based in South Oxhey. It is led by Head Teacher – Danni Harte. The daily running of the provision is the responsibility of Sarah Kenny, Provision Lead. 

The Acorn Centre offer a short term package/block of support for Primary aged children at risk of exclusion or permanently excluded from schools within the DSPL 9 area of Watford, Three Rivers, Bushey and Radlett. 

The provision provides interventions for pupils with SEMH needs that run in parallel to their school provision. ‘SEMH’ is an umbrella term for children who demonstrate difficulties with social interaction, emotional regulation and/or are experiencing mental health challenges.

Pupils’ needs may present as challenging, detrimental, disruptive or dangerous behaviours in their mainstream school settings. Their needs could also manifest as anxiety or depression, oppositional/ demand avoidance or more severe conduct issues including aggression, physical behaviours and/or self-harm. 

The purpose of our ‘Acorn behaviour support packages’ are to promote positive relationships and experiences for each pupil. This may include a focus on developing self-esteem, social skills and the ability to demonstrate socially acceptable and positive learning behaviours. 

There are various different support packages available, based on the needs of each individual pupil, which are discussed and allocated to schools who are successful at Tier 4 panel. The initial packages of support offer various ‘in reach’ or ‘outreach’ support, SEMH focus group sessions and parent - child group sessions.  

Each Acorn session is tailored to meet the needs of the pupils accessing support. The team work closely and collaboratively with each school, including their SENDCOs, Class teachers, teaching assistants, and parents/carers, to ensure the sessions are child-centred, educational and fun.