A SPECIAL school in Burnley has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of its work supporting autistic students.

Holly Grove School in Barden Lane is one of four schools selected as a finalist in the Award for Inspirational Education Provision – Primary School category in The National Autistic Society's (NAS) Autism Professionals Awards 2016.

The awards first took place in 2013 as a way for the autism community to come together to recognise the individuals and teams doing great work that can inspire others in the field, and spread knowledge and understanding of autism.

Since then, it has been an annual event, bringing together experts to select the autism pioneers and leading organisations having a positive impact on the lives of autistic people and their families living in the UK now.

Sue Kitto, headteacher Holly Grove School, said: "It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted for the Autism Professionals Awards, and have the team at our school recognised for all the hard work we put in to creating as many opportunities as possible for our students.

“To us, it’s vital that each student’s personality is nurtured, and we know from experience that the way to encourage a child to be the best version of themselves is to accept every part of who they are and support them to find their way through barriers."

The team at the school take a holistic approach to supporting their autistic students and their families, focusing on their sensory processing and communication, and behaviour development.

A spokesman for the awards said: "Such support has helped each student to flourish both in school and at home, which has a huge impact on each child and their family.

"As well as their wonderful approach to teaching, members of the Holly Grove team also visit neighbouring mainstream schools to increase their understanding of autism and build their expertise around teaching autistic students in their schools.

"Holly Grove school also provides respite for parents, a holiday scheme and an afterschool club which focuses on developing social and independence skills."

The school was shortlisted by a panel of 11 autism experts who judged them on its 'innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability'.

Carol Povey, director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said: "The autism community gets together once a year to recognise individuals and services, like Holly Grove School, whose work and tireless efforts make a huge difference to the lives of autistic people and their families and carers.

“This year yielded 217 nominations in total – more than ever before.

"It’s heartening to be able to recognise more people and services year on year, who are creating better lives for those on the autism spectrum.

“I am continually struck by the enormous impact that knowledgeable and understanding professionals can have on an autistic adult or child and their family, and it’s clear that Holly Grove’s work has made a wonderful difference to its students’ lives.”

The winner will be revealed at the NAS’ Professional Conference on Tuesday , March 1, in Telford.