A SCHOOL for children with special needs has received a glowing report from inspectors and been praised as having many "outstanding" features, despite a lack of classroom space.

Staff, parents and pupils at Beaucroft School in Colehill, near Wimborne, are celebrating the publication of their latest Ofsted report, which praises pupils' achievements, as well as the teaching and leadership at the school, but highlights the need for more room.

The report states: "Pupils make outstanding progress in developing their personal and social skills and are prepared outstandingly well for life after school.

"The school is a welcoming place, where every child matters. Pupils quickly develop outstandingly strong relationships with staff and because they feel safe and comfortable at school, they thrive."

But it goes on to say children would do even better if teaching and learning were not affected by the deficiencies in the accommodation.

Headteacher Paul McGill said: "Everyone who comes here notice what we call the Beaucroft factor'. The children are happy and comfortable and they achieve and that is noticeable as soon as you walk through the door.

"We are only brought down by the accommodation, which is woefully inadequate. Just think what could be achieved if that could be sorted out."

Beaucroft caters for pupils of primary and secondary school age from across Dorset as well as some from neighbouring counties.

Last year pupils in year 11 exceeded targets, putting the school in the top 20 per cent across the country for promoting progress.

In terms of the personal development and well-being of the students, inspectors awarded the highest grade; outstanding.

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said work to upgrade facilities at the school is due to take place within the next three years.

Peter Robson, the council's education officer for premises, said: "We have allocated around £1.5 million to carry out work at the Beaucroft School between 2008/09 and 2009/10, as part of our Modernising Schools programme. We will work closely with the school and its governors, who have put forward proposals, to develop these plans towards a final design."