A SPECIAL school catering for 25 pupils in Poole has received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors.

They said pupils thrive at Langside School and said parents have every confidence in the staff.

The school, in Langside Avenue, Parkstone has pupils with varying needs between the ages of two and 19.

It is run by Diverse Abilities and pupils have profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex medical needs.

Inspectors visited the school on February 26 and 27 and have just published their report.

Schools are inspected in seven categories and two were rated Outstanding with five rated as Good.

The inspection reports says: "Pupils thrive because of the high quality care and support they receive. Close attention is given to pupils' physical and medical well-being and staff are quick to identify and respond to pupils' needs."

The report praises pupils' attitudes to everything that goes on in school, describing them as "exceptional."

And it also has high praise for staff.

"Leaders' high expectations ensure that staff are all highly trained to meet the needs of the pupils. Staff teams including nursing staff and therapists work effectively with teaching staff to ensure the pupils develop their skills to become as independent as possible."

The curriculum was praised, as was the communication used across the school, the wide range of activities on offer and the therapy offered.

Safeguarding arrangements were described as effective with inspectors noting: "Staff are well-trained to spot signs that pupils are at risk.

"Staff know pupils and their families very well. As a result, parents are confident to raise any concerns they have about their children with the school. Staff show considerable respect for pupils and there is an excellent focus on maintaining pupils' dignity in all situations."

The report urges leaders to ensure that assistant head teachers are given the time to address any inconsistencies in practice that arise.

It also said leaders should make sure governors have all the information they need to provide a higher level of challenge to the school in its drive for improvement.