A specialist Lancashire school has been praised by Ofsted for providing an "exceptional" level of inclusion and helping pupils overcome barriers to education.
Aurora Keyes Barn School, on Station Road in Salwick, in Fylde, received an Exceptional grade for inclusion in its latest inspection.
Inspectors said the school's practices were having a "transformational impact" on pupils' learning and development.
The school, which caters for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as autistic spectrum condition and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was judged to be Strong in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Safeguarding standards were also found to be met.
Inspectors said inclusion was at the heart of the school's work.
They wrote: "Inclusion proudly underpins the school's transformational impact on pupils' learning and development. Every decision, intervention and interaction is centred on each pupil's individual needs."
The report highlighted how staff quickly identify pupils' needs and build strong relationships to help remove barriers to learning.
Inspectors added: "Staff are experienced, patient and skilled. They get to work immediately identifying and understanding each pupil's needs. Staff build remarkable bonds with pupils, breaking down any barriers to learning and engagement quickly."
The school currently has 24 pupils, all of whom have education, health and care plans.
Ofsted found pupils achieve extremely well from their starting points and are "extremely well prepared" for their next steps in education.
Inspectors praised the tailored curriculum and said staff were highly skilled at supporting children with complex needs.
Attendance and behaviour were also commended, with inspectors finding that pupils' attendance improves significantly over time due to personalised support plans and strong relationships with families.
The report stated: "Pupils say they want to come to school because they don't want to miss anything."
Inspectors also praised the school's wider offer, including activities such as cooking, coding, music, fencing and outdoor learning, which help pupils build confidence and develop new interests.
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Summing up life at the school, inspectors said pupils "thrive and flourish" in the rural setting and benefit from highly personalised support.
The report added: "Pupils feel secure and well cared for because staff build positive relationships with them and their families and respond effectively to their needs."
The school was inspected on July 7, with Ofsted concluding that leaders should continue developing spelling and handwriting provision while maintaining the high standards already in place.
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