A SPECIAL school in North Yorkshire has been recognised by the National Autistic Society for outstanding practice.

The award was given to the Mowbray school in Bedale after a three-day inspection.

The commendation particularly highlights the work done on the school’s farm and wildlife area which has been built up over the past seven years.

Inspectors also praised the centre for the approachability of the management team and the schools extensive knowledge and understanding of all pupils.

The commendation is only awarded to a very few services where provision has gone above and beyond expectations in supporting autistic people, and exceeded the benchmark Autism Accreditation criteria.

The society says it acknowledges the commitment of staff, the happy pupils and satisfied parents.

A spokesperson for the Autistic Society said: “Mowbray School should be exceptionally proud of their achievement.

“The National Autistic Society’s Autism Accreditation programme was launched over 20 years ago and sets extremely high standards, which the school has worked incredibly hard to meet.’’

In information submitted during the inspection supporters and parents said: “A fantastic school and teachers” and “Couldn’t ask for a better school, my son is flourishing.”

Another said enthusiastically: “Amazing staff and support for parents as well as pupils.”

Head teacher Jonathan Tearle said the award was a huge achievement for the school, coinciding with Mowbray being named runner up in the Schools Farm Network for 2017, in the leadership award by Adam Hanson of Countryfile.

Mr Tearle added: “We are immensely proud of this, it is official recognition by experts in the field.

“It is a real educational accolade, and it is the impact it has on improving the lives of children with autism and the opportunities they have.”

Mr Tearle went on: “It is the highest award the National Autistic Society can give and it highlights the value of this provision and what the children are learning from their involvement with the way we operate the farm, the produce we grow and the wildlife we work with.”

The school, which has more than 200 pupils who come from all over the region, unveiled a major £1m extension earlier in 2017 which included special sensory rooms and facilities specifically for autistic pupils.