Welcome to Gorse Bank House
Gorse Bank House is an independent residential home for children and young people aged 11-17.
Located in Hale Barns, Cheshire, where young people living in the home are provided with opportunities to access a wide range of leisure and social activities in either a supported, semi-independent or independent manner.
Our Vision
Our vision is to support children and young people in developing their social, independence, and educational skills so they can achieve their aspirations and reach their full potential.
Gorse Bank House provides bespoke, high-quality care and education within a safe, homely environment designed to help young people lead active, confident, and independent lives.
We encourage and empower young people to make positive choices that align with their passions and wellbeing, supported by a broad, personalised curriculum.
With dedicated staff, a distinctive therapeutic approach, and purpose-built facilities, we create a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment where every young person can make meaningful progress, whatever their starting point.
Our Ethos
The ethos at Gorse Bank House is shaped together with our young people.
We believe everyone has the right to:
Be treated with respect—keeping hands, feet, and unkind words to themselves.
Be accepted for who they are.
Be listened to, valued, and supported.
Try their best and have their achievements recognised.
Learn in a safe school environment where resources are respected and cared for.
Education
The curriculum at Gorse Bank House is creative, flexible, and fully individualised to meet the complex learning needs of each pupil. It reflects our vision by providing opportunities for students to learn and grow within a supportive, imaginative environment that values achievement and promotes continuous progression.
Alongside the academic curriculum, personalised timetables allow pupils to step out of lessons for therapeutic sessions when needed. Learning is further enriched through educational trips and visits, strong links with the local community, and opportunities to explore new experiences such as music workshops, gardening, and other practical activities.
Visual Timetable
Our commitment to a Creative Curriculum has shaped innovative methods for meeting the unique and often challenging needs of our pupils. One example is our ‘Visual Timetable,’ designed to help pupils clearly understand their daily routines and feel secure and prepared throughout the school day.
Environment
Cheshire’s beautiful green and peaceful surroundings play an important role in supporting the well-being of children and young people at Gorse Bank House. Located in one of the most desirable areas near Manchester, the home benefits from a safe, low-crime community, with extensive green spaces and gardens that create a calm and therapeutic environment.
Gorse Bank House provides an outstanding physical setting tailored to the individual needs of children and young people. Our newly refurbished home includes specialist facilities designed to offer a spacious, safe, and nurturing environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.
The natural surroundings are central to our therapeutic approach. Access to outdoor spaces, fresh air, and tranquil gardens helps to reduce anxiety, encourage emotional regulation, and promote positive mental well-being. These environments also support opportunities for play, learning, reflection, and social development.
Our setting fully complements our creative learning curriculum, which incorporates a range of communication systems led by our SENCo and Speech and Language Therapists. Together, our specialist support and carefully designed environment help every child feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.