IT’S been a year of celebrations for staff and students at Portfield School.

The Wessex Autistic Society’s specialist school in West Parley, which caters for students aged three to 19 with autism, reached its milestone 40th birthday this year.

And to mark the occasion, pupils and staff have created a time capsule full of historic photographs, modern drawings, current activities and future plans, which is due to be buried in the New Year.

Andrew Thomas, director of school services, said the unique approach of the school can be attributed to their humble beginnings in 1968 when a group of Bournemouth parents set-up a school in a garden shed, determined to enhance their children’s way of life.

He said: “Prior to 1970, the state had no obligation to provide specialist education for those with a specific learning or development need. The founding parents recognised that as autism affects people in different ways, a specialist education tailored to each child’s strengths and needs was essential to help realise their potential.”

Three years after the society was formed, the first official Portfield School premises – a large house in Stour Road, Christchurch – was opened.

As one of the first schools for children with autism in the UK, demand for places grew quickly and 20 students were accommodated. By the mid-1990s, the school was supporting 36 children across three buildings in the borough, however, ambitions to help more people and provide a higher standard of care were ever growing.

In 2001, the society launched the Domino Appeal to raise funds towards a £3million project to develop a purpose built school in Parley.

And in 2002, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal opened the main building and boarding houses with more developments being added over the years.

A therapy pool was built in 2007 and recent fundraising has also seen a new communication room, sensory rooms, library furniture and a state of the art IT suite.

Andrew added: “It goes without saying that this incredible journey would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated team of staff, board of trustees, parents, fundraising groups, local authorities and the local community.

“Everyone at Portfield and throughout the society is extremely proud of everything we have achieved since 1971 and the high standard of education and care that we are now able to offer to students.

“We are equally as proud of our roots and continue to strive to improve the service we offer.

“Our aspirations to develop our knowledge and facilities in order to support a wide range of children to be the very best they can be are as grand as ever.

“We are greatly looking forward to celebrating many more milestones, all the while remembering what makes us so special.”