A SPECIAL school in Somerset has been awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating for the 19th consecutive year.

Fiveways Special School in Yeovil received the positive rating after an inspection in June.

The LA maintained school has upheld its Outstanding rating for the nineteenth consecutive year.

In their report, Ofsted highlighted: “Pupils excel in all areas of their learning at Fiveways School.

“Staff are very knowledgeable about the communication, learning and therapeutic needs of each pupil.

“Thus, each pupil, including children in the early years and students in the sixth form learn an expertly designed curriculum that meets their specific needs.

“The school is highly ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum transforms the life chances of pupils at the school.

“Relationships between staff and children are nurturing and supportive. As a result, children flourish at the school.

“Through continuous training, staff are very well equipped to meet the emotional, physical and sensory needs of each pupil.”

Swavek Nowakiewicz, the headteacher, said: “I am incredibly proud to announce that Fiveways School has once again been rated Outstanding by OFSTED.

“This recognition highlights the exceptional work happening daily and the significant progress our pupils are making.

“For the past 19 years, we have maintained this high standard, thanks to the dedication of our professionals, the support of our families, and the hard work of our pupils.

“It is a privilege to be part of this remarkable community, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to its future successes.”

Councillor Heather Shearer, lead member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, said: “At Somerset Council, we strive to give every child the best start in life and provide inclusive and supportive learning environments to allow all young people to thrive and succeed, whatever their individual needs and circumstance.

“Congratulations to Fiveways School on this fantastic achievement.

“To maintain an Outstanding rating for almost two decades requires a huge amount of hard work and dedication, for which we are grateful to everyone involved.”

Under the current Ofsted framework, there have been seven other Outstanding judgements awarded to schools in Somerset – The Castle School, Enmore Church of England Primary School, Huish Primary School, Kingfisher Primary School, Richard Huish College, Preston Primary School and Primrose Lane Primary School.

Fiveways Special School is the first LA maintained school to achieve an outstanding rating under the current Ofsted framework, with Somerset Bridge School receiving a Good rating, with an Outstanding rating in three out of four sub-judgements earlier in the year.