Our Behaviour Support Practitioners (BSP's) are passionate about working with children and schools. As well as empowering the children, their role is to equip the class TA or 1-1 by sharing practical tips, resources and professional advice so they can continue the therapeutic support once the Acorn journey has ended. 

Working alongside the TA or 1-1, our BSP's are able to build a support plan which focusses wholly on the wellbeing, emotional and educational development of the child. This not only encourages and educates the adult on how to connect with the child on a deeper level but ensures the work of the Acorn can continue after the BSP steps back. 

It is a known fact that children who are unable to access mainstream education due to social, emotional and mental health needs are at higher risk of exclusion. The support provided by the Acorn team via our Outreach provision offers therapeutic play activities and strategies, verbal and non-verbal communication approaches and encourages all to see that a child's behaviour is a form of communication, be it positive or negative. 

This example of a sensory box was made for a child to take into school and be used in a safe space or to regulate in the classroom. This box includes sensory seeking resources such as kinetic sand, slime, fidget toys, sand timers, feelings cards, worry worm and feathers. These are resources that can be acquired relatively inexpensively at craft shops, online, supermarkets etc. and are extremely effective at helping children regulate at school, home, etc. 

Example of a Sensory Circuit which can be implemented within a school environment