A school for children with autism has already set its sights on being outstanding after receiving a good rating from education inspectors.

Helen Allison School in Longfield Road, Meopham near Gravesend, was previously rated as inadequate by Ofsted.

But following a recent visit, the National Autistic Society school has been given a good rating, with two areas - behaviour and attitudes, and personal development - already rated as outstanding.

The report described the independent school, which offers full-time education for up to 83 autistic students between the ages of five and 19, as a calm, purposeful and happy place where students "are welcomed and feel valued" and are supported "to achieve more than was thought possible".

The inspectors praised new head teacher Simon Collins and said since the last inspection, he has established "an effective leadership team who constantly review their development plans and actions."

Mr Collins said: "I’m so proud of our passionate and tireless team, our brilliant students and committed families. Together, we’ve created a truly fantastic school and I’m really excited about the future.

“We have high ambitions for all our children and young people. Every student is unique, so we design individualised curriculums to help them flourish and reach their full potential. It’s been a difficult with the pandemic, but everyone has pulled together, and I’m really pleased Ofsted has recognised the progress we’re making."

Ofsted said staff were experts at understanding how to support students with special educational needs and monitoring and assessing pupils learning and well-being. They found staff worked together to adapt teaching strategies to best suit pupils and firmly established safeguarding procedures to keep pupils safe.

In addition, the inspectors found parents to be overwhelmingly positive about what the school does for their children.

Mr Collins added: "We know what we need to do over the next four years to become outstanding. We will continue to strive for excellence and continue doing all we can to give our pupils the best start in life possible."

The school’s last full inspection was in January 2019 when it was judged inadequate and independent school standards were not met. In October 2019, an additional inspection found those standards were now met.

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