The progress made by pupils at a Midlands specialist school has been praised by inspectors.

Arc School Ansley is celebrating the findings of Ofsted whose inspectors found the focus on pupils’ personal development and welfare at the school was “outstanding” and gave an overall “Good” rating.

The school supports children with autism spectrum conditions and those who need extra support to engage in education.

Inspectors praised the “strong social and emotional progress” children made from their starting points as well as their “outstanding behaviour”.

Pupils, the report noted, often arrive at the school having experienced significant challenges, with some having not attended formal education for prolonged periods of time. However, inspectors noted children make good progress at the school and achieve a wide range of formal qualifications which ensures they are “fully prepared for their next stage of learning”.

Students, the report noted, often arrive at the school with little experience or knowledge of other cultures or public institutions, however, the school provides them with a vast array of trips and experiences, which pupils are extremely positive about. It noted also that the use of therapy dog in the school supports pupils’ well-being and sustains a calm learning environment which pupils respond well to.

Staff, inspectors found, “work hard to build positive relationships with pupils based on trust and a celebration of success” and are highly aspirational for all pupils. The school’s Governors, they found, make sure that pupils are provided with meaningful qualifications and the best opportunities to succeed.

The report also cited the positive experiences of parents including: “‘My child has always struggled in the past, but now he is here, he loves it.”

Head Teacher Simon Goddard said: “We welcome this report from Ofsted and the findings they have noted following their visit to our school. We have high aspirations for all of our students and want to ensure we do all we can to help prepare them for their lives after school and give them the tools they will need to succeed.

“We are always extremely proud of the progress students make at the school and we’re delighted that the report recognises their successes. Our aim is to help enable positive change in the lives of our young people and help them prepare for moving towards adulthood and independence.”