PROVIDING a first-class education that meets the needs of every pupil has resulted in Uplands School being rated outstanding by Ofsted for the second successive time.

The special needs school in Tadpole Lane welcomed a visit from the education regulator last month, three years since it was last judged to be outstanding.

Her Majesty’s Inspector Jen Southall said in her report: “Under the school’s inspirational leadership, no avenue is left unexplored to ensure that pupils receive the best education. You remain forward looking and continually seek innovative ways to improve further.

“Complacency is not an option for leaders or staff within the school. Staff know and understand pupils’ needs superbly well. They very quickly build excellent relationships with pupils and their families; consequently, pupils make notable gains. Pupils describe how they are happy and enjoy their time in school.

“The nature of your school means that all pupils are vulnerable in a variety of ways. You demonstrate a dogged determination to ensure that processes, systems and checks to safeguard pupils are fit for purpose and continually monitored to ensure that they continue to keep pupils safe. There is a strongly embedded culture of safety and security which is palpable throughout the school."

The report further highlighted other strengths of the school, including the safeguarding and care for their pupils to allow them to flourish and make excellent progress.

Uplands School is for students aged 11-19 years with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties, and/or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), meaning they often have additional complex needs.

Ofsted say that the school has acted upon the only recommendation made at the previous inspection in July 2014 which was to build stronger links with businesses in the community. The school showed evidence of this during this year’s inspection when pupils showed off their knowledge of money by helping out at one of the Uplands charity shops.

Fiona Clark, acting headteacher at Uplands School, said: “We are absolutely delighted and it is a testimony to the fabulous young people, their families and our amazing staff that we have retained our ‘Outstanding’ judgement.

“It’s a huge team effort and we are immensely proud of the part that everyone plays in this success. Our young people are inspirational and it is a privilege to work with them and help them prepare for adulthood.”

The report recommends that the next steps for the school should be to ensure that the most able pupils fulfil their academic potential.

Coun Fionuala Foley, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for children’s services and school attainment, also praised both staff, pupils and parents. She added: “I am thrilled that the school has maintained its outstanding status.

“Everyone at Uplands School works extremely hard to ensure that all pupils are given the best opportunities to progress in their academic and personal development and I’m glad this has been reflected in Ofsted’s report. I would like to congratulate the school for their hard work and commitment.”