Chessbrook is an exceptionally successful organisation which proudly serves its family of schools within South West Hertfordshire, providing support to approximately 1,000 local children, young people and families each year.

Our core values of Courage, Pride and Resilience (CPR) run through every aspect of our practice.  On arrival at Chessbrook, many students have a negative experience of learning, feel a sense of rejection and are completely disengaged with the education system.  Our values of CPR strive to develop individuals who are confident, competent and resilient and are integral in bringing education and learning back to life.

The March 2022 government green paper on proposed changes to SEND and alternative provision in the UK recognised the outstanding contributions that Chessbrook makes to students, families and schools.  Our involvement in the research for the Alternative Provision Quality Toolkit resulted in Chessbrook featuring as a case study, providing further recognition of our outstanding practices in this area.  

It was an honour to be invited to Westminster to provide evidence and take questions on how we reduce permanent exclusions using our model of upstreaming early intervention.  To hear the CEO of a large Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust state that he is implementing the ‘Chessbrook model’ across all of the schools in his Trust was testament to the outstanding practices we have achieved over many years.

Chessbrook provides the “right support” at the “right time” enabling the vast majority of students to continue their learning in mainstream schools.  This ensures those students with the most complex needs access an aspirational and highly personalised curriculum at the centre.  

A high level of pastoral care is provided, including allocating a Personal Learning Mentor who will champion each student throughout their Chessbrook journey.  We have exceptionally high standards and expectations and are relentless in educating and challenging our young people to achieve their goals.  

A highly motivated and expertly trained team of staff ensures that gaps in prior development and learning are identified in order to give all students the necessary support for success from the moment they walk through the door.  Students and their families immediately feel the warmth and network of support on offer to them. 

Our aim is for all students to gain the right qualifications and experiences they need to progress onto the next stage of their learning journey and into adult life.

To find out more about what we have to offer, browse our website or arrange to visit.

 
Steve McShannon

Headteacher