PUPILS and staff at a Radlett school for autistic children are celebrating an “outstanding” Ofsted result this week.

Radlett Lodge School, in Harper Lane, Radlett, is outstanding in every category and highly praised for its quality of education, level of care, and pupil welfare.

The Ofsted report said: The school leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of enabling pupils to make the maximum progress.

“It provides an exceptionally high quality of boarding and education and pupils are kept extremely safe. Excellently led by a principal and senior team, their very high expectations result in staff who are exceptionally ambitious for the pupils.

“The boarding provision and school work seamlessly together to support pupils’ all-round development. Consequently, the pupils make excellent progress academically and personally. The teaching is excellent because it is underpinned by a very thorough knowledge of pupils’ needs.

“Pupils are excellently prepared for the future academically, socially and emotionally and in developing skills for life. The community-based education programme makes a significant contribution to their practical understanding of the world in which they live."

Wendy Fox, whose son Ciaran, nine, attends the school, said: “Ciaran has only been at the school for a few months, but already the difference in him is amazing.

"They are the first people to really understand him and they have worked wonders. We fought hard with our education authority to get Ciaran into Radlett Lodge, but now he’s there it has all been worthwhile.

“This is the first time I’ve felt calm and happy leaving him at school knowing he’ll be safe. The school has been a lifeline to me and my family and I can’t praise them highly enough. They are wonderful.”

Principal Lynda Perry said: “We are absolutely delighted with our Ofsted report and it is thanks to the hard work and dedication of the staff, parents, pupils and everyone involved in the school.

“Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, but with the right help and support, every child can fulfil their potential.”

Radlett Lodge School is run by The National Autistic Society (NAS). It opened in 1974 and provides co-educational and weekly boarding facilities for 49 children and young people with autism, aged four to 16.

To read the full report, visit: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/115610/(as)/117646_342532.pdf