A SCHOOL for children and young adults with learning disabilities has been rated as outstanding in its first Ofsted inspection.

Bright Futures School in Lymm has received the top rating from the education watchdog following a visit by inspectors in October.

The independent special school on Booths Lane has 37 pupils – including seven in its sixth form – aged between five and 25 with complex learning and behavioural needs.

In a report published on Wednesday, November 22, inspectors found that staff ‘strived to improve on the excellent practice at the school’ while those in leadership had ‘established an ambitious culture where only the best will do’.

Staff ‘provided an exciting range of interesting and purposeful activities for pupils’ while relationships between staff and students were ‘excellent’ and enabled youngsters to ‘grow in self-esteem and confidence’.

The Ofsted inspection was Bright Futures School’s first since it was last visited under its previous name of Cornerstones in 2014.

Head teacher Ruth Clifford said: “We are all so proud that the school has been recognised as an outstanding place to learn, enjoy and be safe following our most recent Ofsted inspection.

“We are totally overwhelmed by the kind words of the inspector and the recognition of sustained student progress.

“We set out each day to ensure that our students feel valued, engaged and ultimately happy, which clearly underpins their ongoing development.

“As the head teacher for Bright Futures School, I fully recognise that this Ofsted outstanding award is a shared achievement not only for our students and workforce but also four our partner agencies who have fully support our ongoing development.

“Without doubt the most celebrated outcome to this inspection is the journey of our students and their families in overcoming the many challenges of their learning, sensory and communication needs whilst always moving forward with hope, pride and ambition for their children – they really are amazing.”