What is the Acorn Centre?

The Acorn Centre is a ‘Primary Behaviour Support Provision’ under the leadership of Warrendell school, based in South Oxhey. 

The Provision is overseen by Executive Headteacher – Andy George.
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, unsafe or dangerous behaviours within 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. Some behaviour needs may be the result of unmet SEN or trauma.

The purpose of our service is to collaborate with schools offering them a supportive partner, offering advice and recommendations for strategies to implement in school setting, based on our observations and work with children; ultimately to reduce each pupils’ risk of exclusion.

Our ‘Acorn Behaviour Support Packages’ aim to promote positive relationships and experiences for each pupil - using a therapeutic and trauma informed approach to behaviours. This may include a focus on developing self-esteem, emotional regulation skills, social skills and working on skills to demonstrate socially acceptable and positive learning behaviours.