A SPECIALIST school for youngsters with autism has been graded outstanding by Ofsted.

The newly-extended facilities at Whinfell School, Windermere Road, Kendal were a hit with inspectors who awarded the school for 11 to 19 year olds the top accolade in all five investigation areas.

Anne Bannister wrote in her report that the young people were ‘making exceptional progress in developing their knowledge and skills and work towards both formal and vocational qualifications’ and that the life skills programme was ‘exceptional’.

She noted that ‘staff are fully committed to enabling young people to overcome any difficulties they may face so that they are able to lead happy and fulfilling lives’ and felt that ‘young people enjoyed outstanding outcomes because of the commitment of the whole staff team.’ Registered manager John McGlynn said: “I am obviously delighted that the hard work and dedication of the Whinfell team has been so highly praised by Ofsted but also that parents of autistic children in Cumbria can be assured that a unique and outstanding provision exists on their doorstep.”

Whinfell School offers education and residential care for boys with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties.