A FAMILY run special needs school has received a glowing inspection report.

Bettws Lifehouse, which has sites in Bettws Cedewain and Welshpool, have received the report from their full Estyn inspection in July. Directors and staff are thrilled Estyn has recognised the work of the team and the outcomes for the children in the report.

Estyn stated that the proprietors, headteacher and senior leaders provided “strong leadership and focused direction for the school”.

They also noted staff “at all levels are highly committed to providing pupils with the best possible learning opportunities”.

The school received an ‘Excellent’ judgment in Care, Support and Guidance and an ‘Excellent’ judgement in Wellbeing and Attitudes to Learning.

The remaining three areas received ‘Good’ with highly positive comments in all five inspection areas.

A particular strength was that pupils at Bettws Lifehouse “respond extremely well to the consistent and highly effective therapeutic approach at the school”.

Inspectors note that pupils make excellent progress in their wellbeing and that this is particularly impressive as many students have had difficulties in communicating their emotions, managing their behaviour and experienced trauma in their past.

The Lifehouse sets out to provide a child centred curriculum making use of nature, the countryside and animals alongside the more class based subjects.

Staff were highlighted for promoting a positive learning environment having high expectations for behaviour, establishing valuable relationships. Estyn noted that they “understand the strengths and areas in need of development and take suitable action to sustain improvement”.

Nearly all pupils go on to successful further education destinations.

This year the school expands both its Key Stage 2 and post 16 provisions.

Headteacher Meg Jones said: “It’s great to receive such a fabulous report that validates our work and everything we do, just as we are expanding in our drive to meet the needs of more children and families.”