The Early Intervention Service

How does the Early Intervention Service provide support?

For how many?

Pupils in receipt of intensive help attend 1 of the 2 Acorns centres for 5 mornings a week, with outreach support at their mainstream school fortnightly. The part-time element is intended to make sure that children do not lose contact with their school or local friends.

A maximum of 20 places are available, with the actual number dependent on staffing levels across the 2 centres for reasons of safety.

For how long?

Depending on individual pupil need, and targets for change which are set in partnership with schools and parents, pupils will usually spend approximately 3 terms at 'The Acorns'.

This length of placement acknowledges that 'change' takes time, and is a process whereby pupils have to 'unlearn' old habits and behaviours, acquire new ways of relating and learning and practice and consolidate these.

Outreach work begins with the child in his/her school before they come into the Centre to ensure that they have built up a rapport with their Early Intervention Service teacher, and continues where possible after they have left the Centre in order to consolidate gains.

There is a rolling programme of admissions and reintegration and we link with the Community Educational Psychology Service, the Behaviour Support Team and other agencies around both transitions to plan and provide continuity.

Aftercare

Schools and families are welcome to re-contact the Early Intervention Service for short-term support once a pupil has left The Acorns if they encounter any subsequent difficulties.

These may relate to changes in a child's life or be linked with a school transition or stress, or both. Exceptionally the Family Therapists will continue to work with families for longer periods, if appropriate.

Contact

Julie Hamilton

Operations Manager

Acorns 2

50 Markyate Road

Dagenham

RM8 2LD

Tel: 020 8724 1053 or 020 8724 1054

Fax: 020 8724 1055

Email: julie.hamilton@lbbd.gov.uk or theacorns@bardaglea.org.uk|