Special school's glowing report

Staff and pupils at a special school have been celebrating after receiving an overall "outstanding" Ofsted report.

Linwood School in Bournemouth, catering for 192 pupils including its sixth form, was rated grade 1 - outstanding - for almost every category.

Youngsters "leave very well prepared for life in society", the report said.

Sheila Brown, Ofsted's manager for Education, Learning and Skills in the South congratulated head Stephen Brown when she visited the school.

The school has aided and supported my son beyond my wildest dreams A parent

Her visit on Wednesday coincided with the publishing of Ofsted's annual report, in which England's chief inspector for children's services and education said the country is not "world class" and disadvantaged children fare worst.

But Lindwood had bucked that trend.

Ms Brown said: "I am delighted to be here today to congratulate the head teacher, staff, governors and pupils of Linwood School on their considerable success and hard work in delivering such a high standard of education."

The Alma Road mixed school caters for youngsters with a wide range of special needs, including severe learning difficulties.

Some often have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and there are also a high proportion of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders.

The report also revealed parents' satisfaction with school by quoting one who said: "The school has aided and supported my son beyond my wildest dreams - brilliant staff with no exceptions."

The only criticism from Ofsted was for the school to "refine systems for analysing data to ensure that the staff are clear about the expected rates of progress for each pupil".