A SCHOOL has been praised by inspectors for its continued good performance, despite uncertainties caused by a controversial review of special education.

A report by Ofsted highlights some outstanding features at Mowbray School in Bedale, which educates 140 pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties from across the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Harrogate districts.

The school educates children with autism, speech and language problems and social and emotional difficulties. Last year, it was one of the North Yorkshire schools at the centre of a review of special education designed to be implemented in three phases over 12 to 15 years as part of a plan to place more children with special needs in mainstream schools, supported by specialist staff with better training.

The review, supported by county councillors last December, despite concerns about funding and effects on staff morale, will involve merging Mowbray with the Dales School at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, which takes pupils with more profound difficulties. A combined school will be built on the Bedale site.

The Ofsted report for Mowbray said parents valued the personal support given to pupils, who had excellent opportunities through fun activities, such as outdoor education and residential courses. The overall quality of teaching was good, with some outstanding practice, lessons were lively and enhanced by skilful use of high-quality resources.

It said: "The school is outstanding in how it prepares pupils, through a work-related learning programme, enterprise schemes and transition planning with colleges and businesses.

"Headteacher Jonathan Tearle provides excellent leadership and does his best to make the school as good as he can for pupils. He has been extremely effective in ensuring that the school continues to develop and improve, despite the uncertainties resulting from the review of special education provision.

"The expertise of the governing body and their involvement in evaluating the achievements of the school strongly supports and challenges the school."

Mr Tearle said: "The report reflects the work we do in meeting the needs of a diverse range of children. Last year, there was so much uncertainty with the review - it will have implications. It is very important we continue to provide despite the changes.