A team of Japanese professionals have been inspired by the methods used for teaching autistic children at Ripplevale School.

The group of 20, all of whom work for an organisation that specialises in teaching special educational needs pupils, visited the school in Chapel Lane, Ripple, on Thursday.

The successful school for boys aged six to 18, who are on the autistic continuum, was one of three schools in the United Kingdom to be chosen for their research into the structure of and approach to teaching autistic pupils.

The Japanese representatives had decided to visit Ripplevale School having read their successful Ofsted reports, particularly in relation to the positive outcomes for the school’s pupils.

The team were led by their president Ukai Saito, who was the Japanese government’s chief researcher into the education of special needs pupils, and shown around by Ripplevale principal Ted Schofield.

Having become disillusioned with the progress being made and indeed the outcomes for pupils in his country, Mr Saito decided to set up his organisation TASUC – which is the first public company to support children with developmental disabilities and their families in Japan.

The team, accompanied by an interpreter, asked questions and were able to spend time with the pupils. Mr Saito and Mr Schofield shared another interest, that of rugby, and were able to spend time discussing various aspects of the game.

Both felt that regardless of cultural differences the needs of young autistic pupils are clearly similar in both countries.

Mr Saito is hoping to visit again in two years’ time and has arranged to keep in contact and hopefully pass on ideas and any possible innovations.

Mr Schofield said: “I personally enjoyed the visit and it was interesting to see the similarities and indeed differences in methods of approach in the UK and Japan.

“I hope this is the beginning of a longer term relationship with the Japanese schools similar to ours.

“Mr Saito and his team were clearly dedicated and knowledgeable professionals and I feel sure they do fantastic work back home.

“They will always be welcome to visit again in the future, either as a team or as individuals.”