Decision

The Children and Young People Portfolio Holder has decided to permanently discontinue the residential provision at Archers Brook SEMH Residential School in Ellesmere Port.

Analysis

outcome: The permanent discontinuance (closure) of the residential provision at Archers Brook SEMH Residential School has been approved.

summary: The decision is to permanently discontinue the residential provision at Archers Brook Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Residential School in Ellesmere Port.

topline: The Children and Young People Portfolio Holder has decided to permanently discontinue the residential provision at Archers Brook SEMH Residential School in Ellesmere Port.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the closure of a residential provision that is valued by pupils and families, but is no longer financially viable.

affected_stakeholders: ["Governing Body of the school", "Pupils", "Families"]

contentiousness_score: 7

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2067

Decision Maker: Children and Young People Portfolio Holder

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The report is seeking approval for the proposed ‘prescribed alteration’ to Archers Brook School (the School) to permanently discontinue (close) the residential provision at Archers Brook Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Residential School, Ellesmere Port.

Content: The report is seeking approval for the proposed ‘prescribed alteration’ to Archers Brook School (the School) to permanently discontinue (close) the residential provision at Archers Brook Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Residential School, Ellesmere Port. That the permanent discontinuance (closure) of the residential provision at Archers Brook Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Residential School, Ellesmere Port be approved. (1)          The proposal is a response to the request by the Governing Body of the school to undertake the process of closure of its residential provision as set out in statutory guidance. (2)          The Governing Body carried out an informal consultation between 28 February and 4 April 2025 proposing the closure of its residential provision would allow the school to redirect facilities to sustain and enhance its core educational offer. While acknowledging that residential provision is valued by pupils and families, the school highlighted that it has become increasingly unaffordable and heavily reliant on a grant that has not met operational costs for several years. (3)          The Governing Body believes the provision is no longer financially viable within the school’s delegated budget, citing:   ·         Loss of commissioned services funding from the Council in August 2026 ·         Increasing complexity of pupil needs ·         Lack of value for money in maintaining the provision   (4)          The Council agrees with the Governing Body that the current level of need presents significant challenges to the long-term sustainability and value for money of the provision and carried out a formal consultation (Notice and representation period) between 11 June and 9 July 2026. There are no further options appropriate for this proposal.

Date of Decision: July 23, 2026