Archers Brook on Chester Road, Great Sutton, more familiarly known as Capenhurst Grange, cares for about 65 youngsters, mostly boys, with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

When an inspector called in 2012 to look at the residential provision at the school pupils had no hesitation in insisting the staff were ‘brill’ and ‘cool’.

They were ‘always there’ for them.

The inspector later wrote: “I think you are cared for in a good school which has outstanding features.

“Staff want the very best for you and go out of their way to ensure you have all the help and support you need.

“It was wonderful to see you all enjoy yourselves and it was an absolute pleasure to meet you all and to see how well you are all doing.”

Fast forward to 2014 and headteacher Samantha Myers-Whittaker is explaining Capenhurst Grange has become Archers Brook to reflect an increase in the specialist provision that now exists there.

Headteacher at Archers Brook school, Great Sutton, Samantha Myers-Whittaker
Headteacher at Archers Brook school, Great Sutton, Samantha Myers-Whittaker

The new name, she told the Pioneer, was involved studying local history, creating a list of possible names, canvassing parents, pupils, teachers and governors and ultimately conducting a vote.

She said: “The name Archers Brook was the decisive winner.

“It refers to the Wirral One Hundred whereby archers were recruited from 100 villages from the local area to defend the region during the Middle Ages.

“The school has a brook flowing through the grounds and so the name is a combination of a geographical feature and an historical event.”

Name change notwithstanding, Archers Brook believes it offers quality support for children and young people with a range of complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties often linked with medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or communication needs associated with autism.

Ages run from 11-16 with provision until 18 planned within the next year.

Classes at Archers Brook are small and the school offers a ‘robust curriculum’, according to the headteacher, ‘delivered in a lively and energetic manner by enthusiastic teaching staff’.

“Pupils are encouraged to learn and grow to their potential through the partnership that is developed with parents and carers to maximise life chances for all pupils.

“Archers Brook also has high expectations of behaviour in order to develop a strong sense of community and well being in all our pupils.”

The school also has two ‘nurture groups’ one for the whole school and the other specifically for girls.

“Pupils work in groups of one to four,” said Ms Myers-Whittaker.

“These groups allow pupils to access intervention that builds up their social skills.

“Work within these groups helps pupils to reduce aggressive behaviour, temper tantrums and withdrawn behaviour.

“In the long term, these group interventions can contribute to social and academic progress for pupils, improving school attendance and having a positive impact on whole school ethos.”

All the girls meet for breakfast at the start of the school day.

“This time allows for discussion between staff and pupils, giving opportunity to plan their individual day ahead.

“A programme of activities is run throughout the year which specifically targets girls’ issues.

“This involves training and opportunities that are specifically designed to strengthen their self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing them to value themselves through the experiences.

“A car maintenance course, fundraising for a trip away, walking the Sandstone Trail, motivational work placements and heart start training have been some of the aspects covered this year.”

All pupils have access to the school counsellor.

“These sessions are completely confidential and can help pupils move forward emotionally enabling them to discuss issues with a professional and develop strategies for dealing with difficult situations in the future.”

Pupils of Archers Brook can also access an art therapist and benefit from reflexology or Indian head massage.

Opened this academic year is an autistic spectrum condition unit, at present used by four pupils.

The headteacher says where concerns arise around a pupil’s progress or well-being, staff will work closely with others to decide upon the best programme for support.

Residential at Archers Brook offers the opportunity for pupils to stay at school for up to four nights a week and all are able to access after school activities including, cooking, football, weight training, guitar, singing, computing and swimming.

Ms Myers-Whittaker explained: “At Archers Brook we offer a 24-hour curriculum which enhances the learning experience of our pupils.

“Our purpose is to provide a well- managed and consistent approach to meet the social, emotional and behavioural needs of pupils who access our provision.”

People can find out more at an open evening to be hosted by the school this evening (Wednesday) from 5pm to 7pm.

The mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Bob Crompton, will be guest of honour and staff and pupils say they will be happy to meet visitors and discuss the exciting developments at the school.

Music, food and a raffle will be on offer and all proceeds from a raffle will go to Archer Brook School funds. All are welcome.