A POOLE special school retained its rating of Good after a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

Langside Principal Jonathan Seaward said he is delighted that inspectors also recognised improvements and that it could receive the top rating of Outstanding at its next inspection.

The school, run by Diverse Abilities and situated in Langside Avenue, was visited by two inspectors last month.

In a letter to Mr Seaward they said: "Together with your leadership team you work with complete focus and a determination that all will be done to secure the very best outcomes for pupils.

"You are ambitious for the school and for pupils ad have very high expectations. Staff respond with enthusiasm by looking for creative solutions to help pupils move forward. Pupils are listened to, despite their communication difficulties."

They said safeguarding is effective and that the school works closely with families of pupils with complex medical needs.

Mr Seaward said: "We are extremely pleased that we have upheld our good status. I am very thankful to the staff that work at the school, who work with complete focus and determination. We look forward to our next inspection as it will be an opportunity to demonstrate how far we have progressed."

The report said the school ensures pupils are ready for their next steps when they leave the school.

"This is another particular strength of Langside School" said the report. "During sixth form students are helped to become as independent as they can be, finding their own ways of communicating their needs and wishes."

Langside, established in 1959, is a charity-run special school for pupils aged two to 19 with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex medical needs.

The school provides a full sensory and therapeutic approach to meeting the needs of the pupils and helps them to achieve their full potential, with nursing support in every class.