A SPECIAL school in Bromsgrove has been rated 'outstanding' by the country's education watchdog for the third inspection running - with its work to aid pupils' communication abilities especially praised.

Previous Ofsted visits in 2012 and 2016 had seen Chadsgrove School awarded the highest rating possible and that achievement has been replicated this year.

Headteacher Deb Rattley said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as being an ‘outstanding’ school for the third time in succession.

"There is a strong ongoing commitment to excellence throughout the school and we constantly strive to provide education and care of the highest standard.

"I am immensely proud of all of the pupils, staff, families and Governors and would like to congratulate them all on this superb achievement and thank them all for their commitment to our school."

Chadsgrove holds more than 130 pupils of ages ranging from two to 19 at its Meadow Road, Catshill, base.

Ofsted inspectors lavished praise on the school, saying: "Chadsgrove is a wonderful, exciting and inspiring place for pupils to learn.

"As soon as pupils arrive at school, they are greeted by a highly dedicated staff team and are welcomed into a vibrant environment where their successes are celebrated.

"Communication is at the heart of everything the staff does. Staff place huge importance on helping pupils communicate well.

"From speech technology, through to communication boards, pupils have the tools they need to be understood.

"Pupils work alongside leaders as ‘learning detectives’. They visit classes together and continuously reflect on how well the school is doing.

"They want the school to be the best it can be, and, because of their determination, it is.

"Staff are overwhelmingly positive about working in the school. Pupils’ behaviour in school is exemplary."

The school's sixth form was labelled 'excellent' while the early years department was described as providing an 'exceptional start' for pupils.

"Staff are talented and well trained. They quickly develop excellent relationships with all children," the Ofsted report added.

"These relationships enable children to trust staff and feel safe. As a result children in the early years rapidly learn the vital communication, physical and social skills that they need.

"Pupils with the most complex needs are highly motivated and engaged by the super books and stories that teachers have written for them."