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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Pathways

Pathways in Learning is a Community Interest Company offering alternative education to young people under the age of 16 for whom full time mainstream education may not be suitable due to social, emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties. These difficulties often impede their ability to take part in sustained and active learning so our first priority is to enable learners to re-engage with education in a caring and enriching learning environment.

Learning groups are kept small so that learners feel safe, secure and valued whilst providing tutors with the opportunity to deliver tailored teaching and support suiting the needs of each individual learner.

They offer a range of Level 1 and 2 accredited vocational qualifications including:

Art & Design
Business
Childcare
Construction
Hair & Beauty
Health & Social Care
Hospitality & Catering
Mechanics
Retail
Travel & Tourism

They also offer Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and ICT from Entry 1 to Level 2. All their courses are accredited through Open Awards and learners will complete initial assessments using BKSB software to ensure they are working towards levels of qualifications suitable for them. They can also offer GCSE support packages for Maths and English as well as accredited Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications (GCSE equivalents) in Science.

They work with learners and local businesses to secure work placements that enable the young person to familiarise themselves with the world of work, gain hands on experience and help them make decisions on the further education and career paths they wish to pursue. During year 11 we liaise with local colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers to ensure each young person secures a suitable next step and feels confident and secure in their decisions.

Click here to view their website Pathways in Learning - Home

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.