Acorn Psychology & Support Services Ltd

19/01/2026

A fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Headteacher/SENDCo (Inclusion Lead) is available at one of our partner schools - Barden Primary School. To find out more about this wonderful school visit https://www.barden.lancs.sch.uk/

Further details can be found below. Don't delay - the closing date is 23rd January 2026.

https://teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/jobs/assistant-headteacher-senco-send-unit-and-inclusion-lead

https://schooljobs.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancyDetails.asp?id=198952

My name is Mrs Holgate and I am the Headteacher at Barden Primary School. I would very much like to welcome you and your child to the thriving school community of Barden. Barden is a happy, caring school where hard work and good behaviour are expected and achieved. We encourage children to develop t...

02/06/2025

🌿 Meet the Team: Laura Barlow – Assistant Educational Psychologist 🌿

Have you met Laura Barlow yet? Laura is one of our dedicated Assistant Educational Psychologists at Acorn Psychology and Support Services.

Laura brings a wealth of academic insight and hands-on experience supporting children with a range of complex needs.

With a degree in Psychology from Newcastle University, Laura’s passion for early intervention and communication support began during her placement year, where she helped develop a speech and language programme for EYFS. She then went on to complete a Master’s in Childhood Development and Wellbeing in Practice, alongside working in a SEN school with children with ASC, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay and Down’s Syndrome.

Laura has a particular interest in sensory processing needs and supporting non-verbal children—always with a calm, compassionate approach.

Her experience and commitment make her an incredible asset to our team and to the schools and families we work with 💬🌈

31/05/2025

🎟️ Last-Minute Tickets Now Available!

Our Creating Diverse & Inclusive Primary Classrooms Conference is just around the corner – and we have a few final spaces left!

If you're passionate about making your classroom a place where every child feels seen, supported and included, this is your chance to join like-minded educators and experts for a day full of inspiration, practical ideas and powerful conversations. Join us this coming Wednesday at Burnley Football Club

🌟 Featuring keynote speaker Dr Pooky Knightsmith – one of the UK’s most respected voices in child and adolescent mental health.

Book Now: https://www.acornsupportservices.com/inclusion-conference

30/05/2025

✨ "He is such a complex little boy... often misunderstood."

We’re incredibly grateful to receive feedback like this. Our Educational Psychologists take the time to truly understand each child, especially those with more complex needs, and provide clear, compassionate insight that helps others do the same.

This thoughtful report will now help inform R’s EHCP and support the people working with him to respond with empathy, consistency and care.

28/05/2025

Phonics Practice… but make it fun!
Supporting early reading doesn’t have to mean more worksheets.
Phonics-based apps offer structured, evidence-based practice through games and activities that keep children engaged and motivated – especially those who need a little extra support.
Here are a few we love:
🎮 Nessy – great for dyslexia support and building confidence
🥚 Reading Eggs – fun, rewarding phonics games and lessons
🧚‍♂️ Teach Your Monster to Read – an engaging way to develop early reading skills through adventure-style play
These tools aren’t just ‘extras’ – they’re valuable scaffolds that help children practise key skills in a way that feels safe, enjoyable and accessible.
📱 Perfect for home or classroom use!
💡 Want more practical tools like this? Visit our online Training Hub for expert-led CPD and support: acornsupportservices.com/traininghub

26/05/2025

🚨 District 1, 12 & 14 – This One’s for You! 🚨

Are you an SLT, Behaviour Lead, or SENDCo with a passion for inclusion?

This exclusive conference is just for schools in your districts — designed to equip your team with the tools to create more inclusive, impact-driven classrooms.

🗓️ 4th June 2025
🎟️ Limited to Districts 1, 12 & 14
📍 Burnley Football Club
📩 Book now before places fill up: https://www.acornsupportservices.com/inclusion-conference

21/05/2025

📚 Your go-to hub for inclusive, practical and compassionate training – all in one place.

Looking for high-quality CPD that truly understands the reality of school life?

The Acorn Training Hub is here to support you, wherever you are in your journey.
✅ Practical strategies you can use straight away
✅ Bite-sized modules designed to fit around your busy day
✅ Created by experts who get the challenges you’re facing
✅ Rooted in inclusion, child development and emotional wellbeing

Whether you're a SENCo, teacher, TA or school leader – our online hub gives you the tools, confidence and clarity to support your most vulnerable learners.

💡 From behaviour and wellbeing to tech in the classroom – we’ve got it covered.
🌐 Join today and gain instant access to expert CPD that fits your world.
🔗 Sign up here: acornsupportservices.com/traininghub

19/05/2025

🎮 “Gaming doesn’t stop me from learning. I use it to clear my mind – it makes it easier to do what I need to the next day.”

For many young people, especially those with Special Educational Needs, gaming isn’t just play – it’s peace.

When school feels overwhelming or burnout is creeping in, the gaming world can offer:
🧠 Predictability and control – essential for those who struggle with change
🛡️ A safe escape – a place to decompress before things reach crisis
🌍 A parallel world – to explore problem-solving, social skills and flexibility without real-world consequences
🤝 A sense of belonging – especially when the ‘real world’ feels confusing or isolating

Rather than dismiss gaming, let’s look at how it can support mental health, learning and life skills, when used with understanding and intention.

💻 Want to explore how technology can support learning in your setting?

Head to our online training hub for practical advice, support and CPD on digital tools that actually work in school.

🔗 Visit: www.acornpsychology.co.uk/training

16/05/2025

✏️ Writing Doesn’t Always Have to Be Handwritten

Let’s rethink how we capture learning.
For some pupils, putting pen to paper can be a barrier – but that doesn’t mean we need to lower expectations. It means we need to offer different ways to succeed.

💡 Try these alternatives in your classroom:
🎥 Use the camera – pupils can record a short video explaining their thinking
🗣 Record oral storytelling or sentence writing
🖍 Use digital whiteboards to draw, label, or model learning
🖊 Add voiceovers to explain a process (e.g. step-by-step maths)
And yes – it’s okay to use spellcheck.

Turn off autocorrect if needed, but leave the suggestions on. Pupils can even use the 'Read Aloud' tool to hear and choose the correct spelling themselves. It's all about supporting independence and confidence.

If you want further information on Technology to support with learning, you can visit our Training Hub where we offer online training on how to utilise technology in the classroom
www.acornpychology.co.uk

12/05/2025

🌿 Get to Know the Team: Lilian Bell

Meet Lilian, a calm, reassuring presence with a lifelong commitment to inclusion, compassion and putting vulnerable learners first.

With over 26 years’ experience in school leadership, Lilian understands the day-to-day pressures of creating a truly inclusive school, especially when resources are stretched and needs are complex. She’s walked that path herself, always led by heart, and now works alongside school leaders to offer the support she knows makes all the difference.

As director of an outstanding outdoor nursery, Lilian continues to nurture environments where children feel safe, seen and supported. Through consultation, supervision and mediation, she offers thoughtful, reflective guidance to help schools meet challenges with confidence and care.
Lilian has also brought her voice to the national stage, chairing the ASCL Ethics, Inclusion and Equalities Committee and working closely with the DfE and other agencies to strengthen inclusive practice across the UK.

💬 “It’s not just about policy – it’s about people.”
💚 Thoughtful. Grounded. Deeply values-driven.

We’re honoured to have Lilian as part of the Acorn team – walking alongside schools with empathy, experience and a real understanding of what it’s like to lead.

10/05/2025

Why use digital technology to support learning?

It’s not just about screens, it’s about opportunity.
The right tools can transform how children access learning, engage with it, and feel about themselves as learners. Here’s what digital tech can unlock in the classroom:

💡 Learner Autonomy
Technology empowers pupils to take ownership of their learning, work at their own pace, and make independent choices.

🎯 Personalisation
From reading apps to adaptive software, tech allows learning to be truly tailored, meeting each child right where they are.

🏅 Alternative Achievement
For some pupils, traditional routes to success don’t reflect their strengths. Digital tools offer new ways to shine – from creative projects to speech-to-text support.

🔓 Unlocking Hidden Potential
With the right tools, pupils who may struggle in one area can thrive in another. Tech can reveal strengths we might otherwise miss.

🚀 Motivation & Engagement
Let’s face it, when used well, tech can make learning fun, interactive and exciting!
It’s not about replacing teachers...it’s about enhancing what’s already working and widening access for all.

This month, we’ll be sharing practical ideas, recommended tools and real-life examples of how schools are using technology to support inclusion and learning. Stay tuned!