A CHRISTCHURCH school which caters specifically for children with autism has been given top marks for its outstanding approach care, making a marked improvement from its previous report.

Portfield School in Hurn achieved an outstanding rating from OFSTED inspectors and was praised for making exceptionally good progress since its last inspection in early 2006.

The school caters for around 60 students aged 4-19, all with autism, as well as a range of learning difficulties.

It operates a specialist curriculum.

The report singled out early years students as being provided with “firm foundations for their social and educational development and make good progress.”

Another outstanding feature highlighted by inspectors was the “very strong focus on addressing individual students’ social and emotional needs”.

Head teacher Janis Rogers said: “Children on the autism spectrum find social and emotional understanding and development a particular challenge, yet it is so important to their future happiness and successful cohesion within society.

“It is an area which, for our students, deserves special attention and I am extremely proud that Portfield has been recognised as outstanding in this area.”

Staff were also praised for the exemplary practice in engaging with students.

Mrs Rogers added: “I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of the staff has been acknowledged in such a positive way.

“The whole team has worked so hard over the last three years to move the school forward and it is this hard work that has resulted in such a positive OFSTED report.”