A SCHOOL in Ringwood is celebrating an outstanding Ofsted inspection which highlighted its excellent provision for young people with complex needs. 

Sheiling School provides day and residential placements for students between the ages of six and 19 with severe, complex and moderate learning disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders. 

The inspection report said: "The residential staff are aspirational and exceptional progress is confirmed by parents. Staff know the children extremely well. They care for each child with unconditional positive regard.

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"The seamlessness of the care contributes to the excellent social, emotional and physical progress that all the children make in this school. Leaders and managers’ openness to challenge and learning from challenge means that children’s views are heard, taken seriously and acted on.

"Leaders and managers maintain exceptionally high standards of practice built around a culture of continuous improvement." 

Head of residential services Heidi Holm Rasmussen said: “To achieve an outstanding rating as a residential provision is a recognition that we are understandably very proud of.

"The challenges faced by residential providers in the last few years make this achievement feel even more special and this grading is a credit to our staff team and the outcomes are a direct result of their continuing hard work and dedication. 

“The acknowledgement that staff practice is exemplary confirms that students have the best environment in which to make outstanding progress from the day they arrive at The Sheiling Ringwood.

"Our staff are skilled, proactive and dedicated and I am delighted this has been highlighted by the inspection team. Whilst this inspection was focused on our residential provision, the outcome is a reflection of Sheiling’s approach, our ethos and collaboration between departments and professionals, whilst maintaining the focus on each young person and their family. 

“I have worked at The Sheiling Ringwood for more than 20 years and to see our unique provision for young people with complex needs described as inspirational, transformative and aspirational provides well-deserved recognition for the exceptional staff team who support our students.”

Head of school, Andy Walters said: “This result is especially pleasing following the challenging circumstances of special educational provision and the residential sector in recent years, not least the pandemic.”