A special needs school has been rated outstanding by Ofsted- marking a decade since it achieved the top grade.

The Beacon Folkestone, which has 419 pupils aged three to 19, maintained the rating following an inspection by Ofsted last month.

In the report, officials from the education watchdog said: “All pupils are exceptionally well cared for and supported.

“Staff have a deep understanding of each child’s special educational needs and/or disabilities, including their communication needs.

“Pupils say that staff take very good care of them.

“Those pupils who do not express themselves verbally are able to use their communication systems to express their preferences, and to communicate when they need help.

“Staff are consistently attentive and responsive to the needs of all pupils.”

It added the curriculum at the school in Park Farm Road has been “designed to develop children’s independence and to prepare them for life beyond The Beacon”.

The school was first rated outstanding in June 2014 having previously been rated good.

It again achieved the title following a full inspection in February 2019.

The school maintained the rating following an ungraded inspection last month.

An ungraded inspection involves Ofsted visiting a school once every four years to confirm that the school remains outstanding.

‘Leaders work very carefully to support staff with their workload and well-being...’

The report added that recent staff shortages created challenges in the school which they have worked hard to overcome.

Inspectors explained: “Leaders work very carefully to support staff with their workload and well-being.

“The school recognises that, until recently, staff absence has negatively impacted on the work-life balance of some other staff.

“The school has now taken effective action to address this issue.

“The school has also taken prompt action to ensure that, as the complexity of their pupil population increases, staff have the expertise they need to be able to understand and meet these pupils’ needs, including in relation to behaviour.”

Following the success, head teacher, Ady Young said: “The current Ofsted framework is the most rigorous and challenging I have ever known.

“We went into the non-judged inspection with the intention to show them a ‘normal day’ at the Beacon and were confident they would see the excellence that runs through our quality of education as our core standard.

“The school was explored in the detail and depth you would expect, hence it is pleasing the dedicated and expert staffing teams continue to be recognised as outstanding.

“I cannot share my admiration and thanks enough to the Beacon staff throughout the school who make it such an great place to work.”