STAFF at a South Lakeland school are celebrating after it was rated as 'outstanding' in an exemplary report from a government inspector.

Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale, which offers specialist care for young people and adults with autism and complex needs, was given the rating by Ofsted inspectors.

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"Working with the leadership team we have evaluated ourselves as outstanding for some time now," said principal Ann Henderson. "We were keen for Ofsted to come and see our work and are pleased they were in agreement with our own conclusions.

"We are immensely proud of the staff and the children for their continuous efforts and the energy they put into everything they do at Underley Garden School."

The outstanding rating was given in terms of its effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and sixth form provision.

The inspection of the school, undertaken in January by an Ofsted inspector, heaped praise on Mrs Henderson.

"The principal is committed to ensuring that all pupils realise their potential, despite the level of complexity of their educational, personal, emotional and social needs," it said. "She is exceptionally well organised."

Last year, the school was rated as 'good' by Ofsted and the inspector found that all areas for improvement had been fully addressed.

Staff were said to have a 'wealth of experience', pupils were found to have an 'acute sense of environmental responsibility' and pupil behaviour was described as 'outstanding'.

"All adults have high ambitions for, and great expectations of, pupils," the report said. "They work both tirelessly and painstakingly to support pupils to make exceedingly good progress."

The report said that to improve further, the school must enhance the quality of teaching and learning by providing greater opportunities for pupils to practise and refine their reading skills across the curriculum and explore ways to further develop the resilience of staff in their work with pupils who require intensive support.

Iain Anderson, group chief executive for the school, said: “The professional dedication of the team at Underley Gardens is fantastic and their commitment to the pupils makes a real difference to each child or young person.

"I am extremely proud of what they have achieved under Ann’s direction and leadership."