A SHINING example of NCH's work in the North-west comes in the form of Bolton's Crowthorn School in Edgworth.

The school, funded by NCH Action for Children through Bolton Council, works with children aged between seven and 16 who have emotional, behavioural and moderate learning difficulties such as Atypical Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.

Children are referred to Crowthorn via the Local Education Authority and the school, which caters for 65 pupils at any one time, has facilities to take children on a day or residential basis.

Crowthorn was the first project ever to be undertaken by NCH and has been welcoming children through its doors since 1869.

It was created by Methodists who transformed an old pub, known as The Wheatsheaf, into the school and this still forms the main school building today.

But it is in the achievement stakes where Crowthorn takes centre stage.

Last year the school celebrated its first ever successful GCSE passes when three pupils gained seven of the qualifications between them.

Acting head teacher Peter Cooper said they had worked alongside neighbouring Canon Slade and Turton High School to achieve the milestone.

The school employs a variety of techniques and skills with individual programmes devised for each child, including counselling, behaviour management, play therapy and activities.

Sports and the arts are particularly strong at Crowthorn and recently the children were given the chance to stage their own art exhibition at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Pool

On the sporting side they have achieved the coveted Sportsmark award thanks to a range of top class facilities including an indoor swimming pool and five-a-side pitches.

Mr Cooper said: "One of our main priorities is to help the children to strive towards independence when they leave school.

"We involve everyone in the school life and it is not just somewhere people send their children because we include the parents every step of the way."

Mr Cooper added: "150 years ago Crowthorn was a place where children could be sent to get a good education and develop. We hope that in 150 years time we are still as strong."