The headteacher of a north Norfolk school for students with complex needs said she was delighted with its 'good' rating in a report.
Ofsted inspectors said Sidestrand Hall School, near Cromer, did well in all areas, with good leadership, teaching and residential experience.
Headteacher Sarah Macro said a new Ofsted framework had raised the bar and they had continued to improve as a school to maintain the good overall rating – and an outstanding one in some areas.
She added: 'The inspection was particularly rewarding as I observed our staff and pupils engaged in stimulating learning activities that were interesting and effective and also allowed pupils to progress and excel individually.'
The Cromer Road school caters for youngsters aged seven to 19 with a range of complex needs, and provides residential provision.
It was rated good in its previous inspection.
Inspectors, lead by Jeffery Plumb, said the governors, senior school and residential leaders had created a challenging and nurturing learning culture where all pupils had an equal chance to do as well as they could.
They said: 'The headteacher's vision to enable pupils with disabilities to overcome obstacles to learning and gain qualifications and skills that will make them employable is shared by all staff.'
Inspectors said pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was good, and students were tolerant of other faiths and cultures.
Parents and carers were helped in managing their children's behaviour, and pupils had positive attitudes to learning.
'Concentration in lessons is good because pupils are enthusiastic to succeed,' the inspectors added.
They said residential pupils benefited from clear and consistent boundaries.
The school was orderly and calm, with no litter, and displays were looked after.
Inspectors said the school was not yet outstanding because assessments of pupils were sometimes insufficiently used to set them activities at the correct level of challenge.
They added: 'On occasions teachers and teaching assistants move in too quickly to support pupils rather than giving them space to complete an activity themselves.'
The report said safe recruitment checks were made, but there was some inconsistency in the way staff checked references by telephone for potential residential employees.
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