A Merseyside special school's innovative approach to teaching and nurturing children has landed it the top rating from Ofsted.
Merefield School in Southport is a maintained school for pupils aged two to 19, with severe, profound, multiple and complex learning difficulties, and autism spectrum disorders.
The school on Westminster Drive previously held a 'good' rating - and describes itself as a 'progressive learning community with an outstanding holistic curriculum centred on the needs of each individual pupil'.
A glowing report following an inspection on June 4-5, praises the headteacher for 'building on the strengths of the school' and goes on to say that students who leave at 19 are 'exceptionally well prepared for adulthood'.
This new top rating comes just days after the Department for Education acknowledged that the proportion of schools rated "good" or "outstanding" by Ofsted has fallen over the past two years.
Five schools in Merseyside lost their outstanding Ofsted rating in the last year alone - one of which now requires improvement.
Inspectors say 'relationships between everyone are excellent' and that staff morale is high.
The report goes on to say: "Adults encourage each pupil to achieve that little bit more and then celebrate with them when they do.
"Children are safe and well looked after; there is high quality teaching across the whole school which leads to all pupils being well prepared for their next steps.
"Staff have a relentless focus on meeting pupils' individual needs, and build strong relationships with students.
"Parents say nothing is too much trouble for the staff and are grateful for the support they are given."
Progress, education quality, and pupils' behaviour are all said to be excellent.
Headteacher Sue Clare says she is 'absolutely delighted' to be able to share the results of the recent inspection. She said: "This excellent report is a fitting testament to the hard work of everyone connected with the Merefield community – pupils, families, governors and staff.
"The inspection was extremely rigorous, looking at all aspects of school as the report clearly evidences.
"We are all so proud that the hard work, dedication and passion that everyone within the school community has given during the past few years has been recognised."
