A SPECIAL school has been given an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted for its overall outcomes for pupils.

And staff members at Capenhurst Grange School on Chester Road, Great Sutton, were described by youngsters who attend the school as ‘brill’ and ‘cool.

After a welfare inspection of the school, which is maintained by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Ofsted inspector Chris Scully found residential aspects were ‘good’ and outcomes for those pupils were ‘outstanding’.

Overall, he found the pupils ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ their residential experience and was even told they would like to stay there for longer periods, such as weekends.

The positive feedback also included praise for teachers, who the children said were ‘always there’ for them.

Headed by Samantha Myers-Whittaker, Capenhurst Grange provides education for up to 62 children between 11 and 16 who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The majority are day pupils and at the time of the inspection, 10 boys and five girls were residential.

The Ofsted report listed the school’s key strength as the excellent procedures that are currently in place to deal with behaviour.

And the ‘competent, dedicated and experienced’ head of care, who is jokingly known as ‘the big boss’, is well supported by the headteacher and staff who work well together as a team.

They are all committed to providing the best possible care to each residential pupil.

In a letter to the residential pupils, Mr Scully wrote: “I think you are cared for in a good school which has outstanding features.

“I think 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.”