SEND school

Rivacre Brook School - Ellesmere Port

Places Available Hooton, Ellesmere Port CH65 1AN, UK

Rivacre Brook School is a specialist therapeutic day school in Hooton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, for children and young people who have faced challenges maintaining a place in mainstream education.

Registered with the Department for Education, it offers a small, stable setting tailored to each pupil's needs. As an independent special school in England, it is regulated by Ofsted.

Rivacre Brook is a 7 - 18 provision situated just outside of Eastham Village.

White rendered front of Rivacre Brook School with bay windows and an arched entrance under a blue sky

About

About Rivacre Brook School - Ellesmere Port

Rivacre Brook School specialises in providing education and support for young people with:

  • Social difficulties

  • Emotional difficulties

  • Mental Health difficulties

  • Autism

  • Headteacher: Caroline McPoland

  • Chair of Governors: James Madine

  • Proprietor: Keys Child Care Limited

  • Ofsted: View report

  • Address: Hooton, Ellesmere Port CH65 1AN, UK

  • Phone number: 0151 808 3035

  • Supported needs

    • SEMH

Resources

Documents & downloads

Useful information

Common questions

Who is Rivacre Brook School for?

Rivacre Brook School is for children and young people who have faced challenges maintaining a place in mainstream education.

Does the school offer residential places?

No. Rivacre Brook School offers day placements in Hooton, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

What special educational needs does Rivacre Brook School support?

The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, communication difficulties, attachment needs and associated learning challenges.

Can Rivacre Brook School be named in an EHCP?

Yes. Rivacre Brook School accepts pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Referrals are typically made through local authorities, although families and professionals can contact the school directly to discuss placement options.

What makes Rivacre Brook School different from a mainstream school?

Rivacre Brook School offers smaller class sizes, specialist teaching and tailored support that enables pupils to learn in a way that suits their individual needs, helping them build confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

How does Rivacre Brook School support pupils with autism?

The school provides structured routines, predictable environments and individualised support strategies designed to help autistic pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation, independence and social confidence.

What curriculum does Rivacre Brook School offer?

The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum that combines academic learning with personal development, emotional wellbeing, life skills and preparation for future education, training or employment.

What are class sizes like?

Smaller class sizes allow staff to provide focused teaching, targeted interventions and personalised support, helping pupils feel safe, engaged and ready to learn.

How does Rivacre Brook School support positive behaviour?

The school uses a positive and therapeutic approach to behaviour support, helping pupils understand and manage their emotions while developing self-regulation and problem-solving skills.

Are enrichment activities available?

Absolutely. Pupils have access to a variety of enrichment opportunities that support confidence, independence, social development and wider life experiences.

Can families visit Rivacre Brook School before making a referral?

Yes. Families, local authorities and professionals are encouraged to arrange a visit to meet the team, tour the school and discuss individual needs and placement suitability.

Make a referral

Tell us about the person and what they need, and our team will talk through availability and the next steps.


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