The Acorns

The Acorns Resource Base

The Autism Resource at Westende supports pupils with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Background

At The Acorns we support pupils with ASD for whom it is not possible to meet their needs through an ordinary placement in a main-stream primary school.  

The Acorns comprises of two classrooms, a sensory room and its own outdoor learning area.  As such, for those children who need a quiet, highly structured learning environment, The Acorns is a self-contained provision. 

Our role in The Acorns is to facilitate inclusion for our pupils and enable them to be part of a thriving school community; whilst receiving specialist support.  Pupils can receive both specialist teaching such as Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Social Skills, as well as step-by-step, supported inclusion into the mainstream school.  

Supported Inclusion

Our aim in the Resource Base is to create a calm, structured and happy environment in which the pupils feel safe and secure and can learn and develop both their academic skills alongside their social and emotional skills, supported by an experienced team of staff. 

Our ambition is for all Resource Base children to participate in mainstream classes for all or part of the week.  All pupils allocated a Resource Base place have aEducation Health and Care Plan (ECHP) and are referred to us via the Local Authority. Our Resource Base has a capacity of 14 children. 

Each Resource Base pupil is on roll in a mainstream class and we work towards including pupils according to their needs and abilities. Wherever possible our pupils participate in the full life of the school during the school day and are invited to participate in trips, activities and experiences with their mainstream peers.   

The Acorns Staff

Mrs Robinson – SENDCO 

Mrs Fowler, Miss Shuter – Teachers 

Mr Potter, Miss Burrows – Higher Level Teaching Assistant 

Teaching Assistants

Mrs Bartlett,  Mrs Clark, Miss Krasna,  Mr Johns, Mrs Dolan, Miss Holt, Mr Lewis, Mrs Li, Mr Weir, Mr Davies, Mrs Knapp

Admissions

Unlike main school admission, access to The Acorns is organised separately with the Local Authority.  

The Acorns has fourteen full-time places for children aged 7-11 years. Admissions to the Acorns are decided by a panel representing the Special Educational Needs (SEN) section of the Education Department of Wokingham Borough Council.  Before an application for a placement can be considered each pupil will need to meet the following criteria: 

  • An Education, Health and Care Plan
  • A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • The potential for inclusion in a mainstream primary school. 

If you wish to apply for a place for your child at The Acorns or need further information please ring the Wokingham Borough Council Special Educational Needs Team on 0118 974 6216.