The Preston school where outstanding staff are caring and kind

Ofsted inspectors who visited the Progress School in Clayton Brook, near Preston, were impressed with the care and kindness heaped on pupils.

The special school, was described as outstanding and received the highest grade in all five areas which were inspected..

Inspectors praised the high expectations staff had for their pupils and said: “Progress School is a lovely place to be. Pupils arrive at school with big smiles.” They added: “Pupils know they are highly valued. Staff treat pupils with the utmost kindness and respect.”

The team added: " Staff have high ambitions for each pupil. A team of professionals work together to ensure that each pupil achieves well."

The independent Progress School is managed by Priory Education Children’s Services, and caters for children with autism and other educational needs and inspectors highlighted that the pupil, aged from two year up to 19, responded well to the their teachers and other staff.

Headteacher Siobhan Partington said: “It is a privilege to lead such a committed staff team who are inspirational in everything they do. "

She added: "It is an incredible achievement to be rated ‘outstanding’ but I have never doubted the value of what we do here.

"Staff, pupils and their families all deserve huge credit and thanks for working together as a genuine school community to bring about such fantastic outcomes for the pupils.”

Progress School is part of Priory Education Children’s Services, and caters for children with autism and other educational needs.

Group Chief Operating Officer Chris Strong said: “Every part of this report is glowing and everyone involved with Progress School should be so proud of what they have achieved.”