A SCHOOL has been described as a “thriving, joyous place to learn” in a glowing report from Ofsted.

The education watchdog inspected Southview School, in Witham, giving it the highest rating of outstanding.

Southview is a special needs school which works alongside children with a range of physical and neurological difficulties.

In the report, Southview was awarded the highest possible grading in all six areas, for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, early years provision and sixth form provision.

Inspectors were full of praise for the staff, pupils, curriculum and safeguarding efforts.

The report said: “Southview School is a thriving, joyous place to learn.

“Pupils are inspirational, happy and delightful to speak with. Their behaviour is exemplary.”

It praised staff, saying: “Staff are highly skilled at adapting the curriculum to meet pupils’ very different needs.

“They teach pupils how to communicate about their learning and their emotions. Consequently, pupils make excellent progress and achieve well.”

It described staff as “experienced”, saying they give pupils “high levels of respect, care and kindness”.

The report also hailed the strength of the curriculum.

It said: “All leaders, including governors, communicate a clear vision, which is evident in the teaching of the curriculum.

"Leaders explained that the ‘pillars’ of the curriculum - communication and language, and pupils’ physical well-being - are at the heart of all learning.

“From early years to sixth form, pupils’ needs are met exceptionally well.

“Leaders use what they already know about pupils, including information from pupils’ education, health and care plans, to design a curriculum for each pupil.

“Leaders have aligned the work of skilled specialists to that of teachers.

“They routinely participate in planning, target setting and assessing pupils, therefore adults gain a detailed knowledge about each pupil’s special educational needs and disabilities.

“Teachers make skilful use of this information to make sure that pupils receive an exceptionally high quality of education.”

Headteacher Julian Cochrane and deputy head Carol Park said: “We are delighted with this recognition for our fantastic school.

“This reflects the hard work of the whole school community, and the support we receive from our parents and carers.”