Acorn Cottage

Acorn Cottage opened in 2006 and provides 52 week care for students aged 11 to 16 years. Based on the main school site, Acorn Cottage is modern and bright, with a comfortable and homely feel.

Its facilities include a kitchen/dining room and two lounges. The cottage houses up to eight young people, who each have their own single bedroom, with a study area, their own washbasin and high quality furniture. All bedrooms are close to the bathroom and shower facilities and one of the bedrooms is en suite. Young people are actively encouraged to personalise their rooms with items from home, including their own bedding if desired.

Our team of experienced Teachers, Therapists and Key Care Staff work with the young person and their parents/carers to put together an individualised, tailor made package of care education and activities. Acorn Cottage is staffed by an experienced and dedicated team, which is headed up by the Residential Manager Stephanie Watson (see profile). Stephanie is a qualified Social Worker and has years of child protection experience, the cottage also has a House Manager, two Deputy Managers and a team of Student Support Assistants.

When not in school, we encourage our students to pursue their current hobbies and interests,  as well as trying out the new experiences which are  open to them both in the local community and further afield, such as the annual school ski trip.  Students are able to access a wide range of activities both on the main site and at nearby Callow Park College, our Post 16 facility, which boasts a swimming pool, climbing wall and gym. In addition we have fantastic leisure facilities in the local community. The Peak District is on our doorstep; the small towns of Matlock and Belper are approximately five miles away, whilst the City of Derby is approximately ten miles away. Students frequently visit the cinema, eat out, go roller skating, go to the cinema and attend interest groups such as the Scouts and local youth clubs. In addition Students are encouraged to mix with their peers across the school site. We also welcome visits from Parents and Carers, and are able to provide onsite accommodation with prior notice.

For more information or to make a referral to Acorn Cottage click here

To download the March 2008 Ofsted Report Pdf click here