Message from Steve Page, CEO

It is our aim to get to know each young person in our care and, where possible, to get to know their families as well. Children may be referred to us because they are disruptive in class, shun school completely or want to harm themselves. Listening carefully to our children and their families informs our professional judgement and helps us to draw up an individual and detailed understanding of every child. Through this understanding we ensure that the love, challenge, education and nurturing each child needs is provided. In professional language this is called an individual care or education plan.

This understanding and assessment of the underlying causes of an individual child’s behaviour and approach to learning is at the centre of our approach.

We are absolutely committed to this individualised care. Thereby we can engage each child and ensure they are developing and learning to the best of their ability. Like two sides of the same coin we have two different, but totally linked aims.

Firstly, we aim to provide safe and nurturing homes and schools that allow children and young people to enjoy their childhood. We want to see them play, laugh and have fun without fear of abuse or neglect. The children in our care should never fear that they may lack food, shelter, clothing, respect or affection.

Secondly , we aim to equip our children and young people for independence. We seek to support them in building positive relationships with their peers and adults and in achieving progress in their education. This is a more challenging aim and one not always welcomed by our young people. Sometimes when they have found a safe home they may not wish to learn how to cook for themselves or to learn to pay attention in a maths class. However, we seek through the quality of relationships our staff and carers nurture to explain, encourage, ask and persuade them to grasp the opportunities we and others provide.

The success of this approach is attested by the many individual success stories of boys and girls who have conquered their difficulties and gone on to establish a positive future. Unfortunately, not every child goes on from us to an easy and fulfilled life. But even those who have periods of difficulty with mental health, crime, drugs or abuse often find that because of their experiences at school or with our foster families they can find strength to find hope.

I was recently on a train with one of our young men who is in his final year at one of our schools. He told me, “I used to be serious trouble, but I have got my head together now. I am taking four GCSEs in the summer and training to be a joiner. I am still afraid of my anger, but I am going to make it.” It is moments like this that make all our work worthwhile.

If you are reading this as a member of staff in one of our schools or as a foster carer can I thank you for your part in helping our young people have more positive lives. If you are a visitor to the website with an interest in any aspect of our work please do make contact with us. We would be pleased to hear from you.

Steve Page

Chief Executive
Acorn Care and Education