External Providers

External Providers used by The Acorns School.

Apple Cast

Apple Cast offers a safe environment for young people to achieve through a wide range of alternative education options. Apple Cast includes indoor and outdoor angling, the now developed horticulture, conservation, fish breeding, aquaponics, agriculture and bespoke woodwork shops complement the existing fishery management qualifications and angling tuition.

All the education stems from the angling aspect of the program and allows young people to make options on the desired learning direction. All literacy and numeracy is embedded into the portfolio work completed and compliments the practical side of the projects.

This enables young people to complete tasks to develop work base learning skills along with a good work ethic. In addition to the various qualifications and accredited certificates the young people have the opportunity to gain, they will also learn key life skills including confidence, respect, patience and perseverance.

This excellent team have a proven record of working with hard to reach pupils, pupils who may struggle for a variety of reasons and have in many cases been able to turn around the pupils whole experience of education.

Link to their website by clicking here Apple Cast (castnw.net)

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Bike Mech

Bike mech is alternative vocational training provider offering motorcycle mechanics, track and events management and the knowledge and skill to drive safely. All activities are fully insured and risk assessed. Courses are tailored to learners needs in consultation with the school. The project offers motorcycle mechanics and safe riding skills for young people aged 14 to 18. Key targets are improvements in school attendance and engagement, behaviour and attainment and progression.

It is aimed at young people with an interest in motocross or cycling sports and teaches them practical skills, such as health and safety and First Aid, which they can gain accreditations in. Pupils work towards achieving an ABC Level 1 Award in Motor Vehicle Studies.

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BDS

BDS Training is an alternative educational training establishment with full City and Guilds approval since 2006 that offers pupils the opportunity to gain awards, certificates and diplomas. They provide training in hairdressing (inclusive of barbering) and Beauty Therapy and Health and Social Care.

BDS is a great environment for creative pupils who enjoy working with their hands, get on with people, or those who aspire to work with children. For more information on what topics are covered in each course please check out their website.

Link to their website by clicking here BDS Training, 31 Greenhey Place, Skelmersdale (2022) (beautynailhairsalons.com)

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FIXIT

The aim of Fix It (UK) Limited is to improve the life chances, career choices and opportunities of young people who prefer to learn by doing things rather than an academic route into employment via further education.

By working closely with a wide range of educational settings Fix It (UK) Limited has developed a training and personal development programme that helps young people to find a place where they fit, something they are good at and something that builds their confidence and self-esteem, so they can find a place in society.

Fix It (UK) Limited looks and feels like a 'garage' workplace, young people quickly respond to this setting and enjoy the learning experience.

At the end of their studies they have a Motor Industry recognised qualification to show for their efforts and importantly, gain the confidence to sit in front of a potential employer or go further, enrolling at a college to continue their studies. Additionally, Fix It (UK) Limited can provide students with a meaningful work related job reference to help their search for employment.

The organisation began life in 2002 as a Wigan Community Safety team pilot project. Following the success of a two-year pilot, Fix It (UK) Limited was established as an independent charity enabling it to widen its scope and thereby support a greater number of youngsters.

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My Future Counts

My Future Counts offers two courses; "Foodwise" and "Living Independently" to support learners with life skills and gain recognised qualifications. Foodwise helps young people to develop practical cooking skills as well as personal, social and work related skills. Living independently is aimed at young people to develop skills that will support them during adulthood. For example; earning and spending money, making financial choices, cooking on a budget and basic food safety.

My Future Counts

Stable Lives

Stable Lives provides a calm, supportive, and natural environment where individuals can feel safe and cared for during life’s most challenging moments.

They are committed to delivering timely and effective mental health support, working closely with individuals and families who have experienced, or been affected by, physical or emotional trauma. Our goal is to create the space and support needed for people to rest, recover, and reconnect with society.

Through their personalised one-to-one children’s programmes, as well as the group courses for children, young people, and adults, Stable Lives provides tailored assistance when it is needed most. Thanks to our unique approach, we can adapt our support to meet the needs of those affected by mental health difficulties, alcohol or substance misuse, bereavement, or a cancer diagnosis.

Stable Lives offers a series of Equine Assisted Personal Development courses.