Archers Brook SEMH Residential School, located in Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, caters to students with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has maintained its overall judgment of good following an ungraded inspection conducted on March 19 and 20, 2024. However, evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were to occur now, the school's rating might not be as favorable. The next inspection is expected to be a graded one.
Students at Archers Brook benefit from a calm and welcoming environment, which is crucial for their development. All pupils have an education, health, and care plan, and both parents and students express satisfaction with the school's supportive community. The school emphasizes the development of social skills through structured activities, including caring for small animals and maintaining outdoor areas. Pupils also engage in community volunteering and participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which helps them build confidence for their transition to further education after Year 11.
Behavioral standards among pupils are generally high, which is commendable given that many have previously faced challenges in accessing education due to their needs. The school sets high expectations for pupil achievement, but inconsistencies in curriculum delivery sometimes hinder these aspirations. Pupils do not consistently build on their prior knowledge, particularly in reading and mathematics, which affects their overall learning outcomes.
The curriculum at Archers Brook is varied and interesting, focusing on overcoming barriers to learning associated with SEND. The school clearly outlines learning expectations, especially in key stages two and three. However, some teachers lack the subject-specific expertise necessary for effective curriculum delivery, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge that are not adequately addressed before introducing new concepts. This inconsistency particularly impacts achievement in key stage four.
Recently, the school introduced a new reading curriculum that includes a phonics program, which is essential for pupils who often enter the school with weak reading skills. While some students are responding positively and developing their reading fluency, others are falling behind due to inconsistent delivery of the phonics program. This inconsistency hampers their ability to decode unfamiliar words, making it difficult for them to engage with the broader curriculum.
The school effectively identifies the additional needs of its pupils and implements strategies to help them manage their behavior, resulting in minimal disruption to learning. Pupils are generally polite and respectful, and they develop resilience as they progress through the school. Although some students do not attend regularly, many show significant improvement in attendance over time due to the school's supportive measures.
Archers Brook prioritizes the personal development of its pupils, integrating careers education into the curriculum to prepare them for future challenges. The school provides guidance on various options available to students, fostering positive attitudes that will aid them in their future endeavors.
Governors are well-informed about the school's operations and ensure that staff workload remains manageable. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils. However, the school must address the inconsistencies in phonics program delivery and ensure that teachers effectively check pupils' prior knowledge before introducing new learning to enhance overall educational outcomes.
