A school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by inspectors at Ofsted.

Sheiling School on Horton Road, in Ringwood, specialises in educating pupils with autism, communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.

Head of Residential Services at Sheiling, Heidi Holm Rasmussen, said: “To achieve an outstanding rating as a residential provision is recognition that we are understandably very proud of.

“The challenges faced by residential providers in the last few years make this achievement feel even more special and this grading is a credit to our staff team and the outcomes are a direct result of their continuing hard work and dedication.”

Some of the highlights reported by inspectors include:

  • The residential staff are aspirational and exceptional progress is confirmed by parents.
  • Staff know the children extremely well. They care for each child with unconditional positive regard.
  • One parent described the school as being ‘transformational’ for their child.