When an inspector called in 2012 at the then Capenhurst Grange school on Chester Road, Great Sutton, pupils had no hesitation in insisting the staff were ‘brill’ and ‘cool’.
They were ‘always there’ for them.
The inspector later wrote: “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 was explaining Capenhurst Grange had a new name, Archers Brook to reflect an increase in the specialist provision that now exists there.
The school has now been nominated for a Your Champions award.
When an inspector arrived, she had no hesitation in describing what she saw as ‘outstanding’. A parent told her the staff were ‘incredible’ and when asked what they would do to make the school better, most students replied: “I cannot think of anything.”
Name change notwithstanding, Archers Brook offers quality support for children and young people with 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.
The school, whose ‘dedicated and committed’ headteacher is Samantha Myers-Whittaker, is said to encourage pupils to learn and grow to their potential through the partnership that is developed with parents and carers to maximise life chances for all students.
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