Our Education Services

Our education and care services work together under the brands of Acorn Education and Care and Options Autism.

We support children, young people and adults with complex special educational needs and disabilities such as autism, as well as social, emotional, mental health, behavioural and physical challenges, or a combination of these.

We believe education should be individually tailored and delivered in a variety of environments with a curriculum that encourages the development of communication, social and life skills as well as academic achievement.

The geographical alignment of our education services to our residential and foster care services allows us to help children and young people to achieve positive outcomes within a school-based environment, while simultaneously receiving high-quality care within a home setting.

Our homes, available to children from the age of eight through to adulthood, vary in size, with each one offering a safe, secure and homely environment designed to ensure that each individual in our care feels comfortable. Together with our schools, we’re committed to helping our students and those in care make a positive transition when they’re able to move back home, or teach them practical skills in preparation for independent living.

Each student and resident’s individual learning abilities, requirements and academic progression are consistently monitored to ensure that support remains proactive, learning opportunities are maximised and every singular achievement is celebrated.

This approach is further supported by our in-house clinical teams, recognising each person we support as an individual and tailoring our care plans to meet specific needs from the point of admission and throughout their journey with us.

Our Purpose

Our aim is simple: to work with the vulnerable people entrusted to us, step-by-step, day-by-day, to help them achieve their potential.

Our expert teachers and care specialists work in tailored environments to help them make progressive, incremental improvements. We monitor the progress of each of our students and residents very carefully, making adjustments to their individual development plans as necessary.

We take the lead in liaising with carers and families, and involving the relevant agencies and authorities, to build the appropriate care around the particular needs of those we look after.