A HEREFORD school has been told it is still outstanding as Ofsted inspectors paid a visit.

Barrs Court School, in Barrs Court Road, has kept the top rating from the school inspectorate again, having always been outstanding since its conversion to an academy in 2013.

Ofsted inspectors said the special school, for children aged between 11 to 19 with complex needs, was a "special place to be" where pupils learnt from the moment they arrived until they left at the end of the day.

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The report, published on January 17, said staff treated pupils with dignity and respect which meant the children respected staff and showed empathy to each other.

The inspectors, Claire Price and Janet Lewis, said at the heart of the school’s work was leaders’ determination that all pupils would make good choices, communicate well and identify and deal with any difficulties they face.

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They said this was seen in all aspects of school life and staff were aware of the smallest signs that pupils could be finding things tricky and took proactive steps to help them manage this. Safeguarding was also said to be effective.

They added that pupils, expected to be as independent as possible, were supported very well to manage their own behaviour. Staff also have high ambitions for pupils and give them the highest quality education so that they can be prepared well for adulthood.

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Leaders, under executive headteacher Lisa Appleton, were said to have carefully identified the important things that pupils should know. Highly effective teachers and expert teaching assistants adapted lessons so that all pupils were able to learn this information, inspectors said.

The school, with 86 pupils, was also praised for its extensive wider curriculum offer and how pupils got involved with projects including putting on a theatre show, which helped with their confidence and resilience, with the careers provision also a "real strength".