Acorn Schools

Established in 2005, Acorn Care and Education is fast becoming England's premier provider of education and care for the most vulnerable and hardest to place young people. Our specialist professionals provide the highest standard of education and care for over 500 children and young people with challenging and complex learning difficulties in well resourced schools and high quality residential settings.

Find out more about each school by exploring the map with our cursor!

Visit the Acorn Schools Interactive Map page

Schools celebrate national success.....

Pupils from Underley Hall School have been given national recognition at a glittering awards ceremony in London after winning the The Diana Award, Certificate of Excellence. This is a highly prestigious award which gives positive recognition to young people who make an outstanding sustained and selfless contribution for the benefit of others in their communities. As Simone Cookson local police officer explains “I chose to nominate the pupils from Underley Hall School for The Diana, Certificate of Excellence Award because of the amazing work these young people have being involved with in their local community. For the last two years, Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council and Cumbria Constabulary have worked together with the pupils of Underley Hall school and the results have been fantastic. The local projects include the Bench Project (runners up of the Cumbria Community Awards 2008) and The Blooming Lovely project October 2009. When the organisers of the Diana Award read the nomination they told me this was just the WOW factor they look for in choosing a winner”

Pictured with Dawn Butler MP for Youth Citizens and Engagement are Underley Hall School pupils Nathan and Brandon.

Belmont School in Rawtenstall has been selected by the new Lottery-funded Food for Life Partnership to become one of 20 Flagship Schools and Communities across the North West, and one of 180 nationally that will be recognised as national leaders on food quality and food education.

Taking up the challenge laid down by Jamie Oliver’s school dinners campaign, the Food for Life Partnership has been funded by the National Lottery over five years from 2007 to help transform food culture in schools across the country.

Building on Belmont School’s achievements to date, the Food for Life Partnership will now help the school put more fresh, local and organic food on the menu and get their pupils – and interested parents and community groups – cooking and growing food and visiting local farms.

To read the full press release click here

New for 2010......

Two new childrens homes in the North West Opening Spring 2010.

 Bridge House Childrens Home, Preston

• A Home which will accommodate up to four children and young people aged 5-17 years of age up to  52 weeks a year
• All children that are accommodated at Bridge House will have an educational placement available at Oakfield House School or one of our partner schools. This means that children can remain at Bridge House and access continuing education throughout their school life
• A spacious luxurious well appointed detached house in its own substantial grounds in a wonderful location with easy access to the Motorway network
• Care staff team that are qualified and experienced with a skill base in working with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities

For further information about Bridge House please contact Headteacher Gillian Hughes on 01772 672 630 or email bridgehouse@oakfieldhouseschool.co.uk

Hall Carr Farm Childrens Home, East Lancashire

• A Home which will accommodate 4 boys age 10 – 17 up to 52 weeks a year
• Wrap around care with Belmont School in Rawtenstall which promotes consistency and continuity across a 24 hour curriculum
• A caring and nurturing environment where children and young people have the opportunity to achieve and succeed personally
• Offering an environment in a spacious and well appointed detached converted farmhouse in a stunning semi rural location, conducive to the individual’s personal growth, where care staff act as positive role models, providing consistent boundaries and engaging respectfully with young people.
• Excellent motorway access and links to all of the North of England as well as nationwide

For further information about Hall Carr Farm please contact the Registered Manager Brian Stevenson on 01706 221 043  or email hallcarrfarm@belmont-school.co.uk

The Willows at Oakfield House School – Opening Spring 2010

The Willows’ is a discrete provision specifically designed to support the needs of up to 12 children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, set in a beautiful semi rural location next to Oakfield House School. The Willows offers children warmth, understanding and patience with a highly skilled and knowledgeable staff team and high staffing levels in a total communication environment.

The Willows only employs staff that have demonstrated a commitment to their professional development in specifically working with children with autism. All staff in The Willows have additional qualifications specifically in autism together with substantial experience and skills in the field of Autism. We believe that to bring out the best in our children we must offer them only the best.

 For further information about The Willows please contact Headteacher Gillian Hughes on 01772 672 630 or email Gillian.hughes@oakfieldhouseschool.co.uk

Heath Farm School Development, Kent

 Work is underway  at Heath Farm School in Kent on the development of six new energy efficient classrooms which will provide an exciting, inspiring, sustainable learning environment for students and staff.

The scheme which marks the start of the redevelopment of Heath Farm School has been derived with student input to provide inspirational teaching spaces which extend into the landscape respecting the sensitive rural environment within which it sits.

The development is underpinned by sustainable technologies and construction techniques to reduce carbon emissions including; 

1. Timber frame construction
2. Maximum use of natural day lighting
3. Intelligent lighting control systems
4. Under floor heating and hot water powered by air source heat pumps
5. Rainwater harvesting

Statement of Purpose

Acorn Care and Education is dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs. Each of our schools and foster care services are firmly grounded in their local communities working with children, parents, foster carers, local authorities and a host of others to create the best possible life chances for young people.

All of our achievements are founded on our core values of respect, dignity, trust and well-being and a commitment to realising the potential of each child, young person and all who work within the Acorn Group.

View our Statement of Purpose page in full