A special school has been rated 'outstanding' for the second time in a row after an Ofsted inspection.

Bradfields Academy, in Walderslade, Chatham, is a mixed school and teaches children aged four upwards, as well as young adults.

It provides education for pupils with speech, language and communication needs, autism spectrum disorder and moderate learning difficulty, and is part of the Fortis Trust.

The report stated that it is a kind and caring school where pupils flourish and that they arrive at school each day smiling and keen to find out what they will be learning.

It was also found that youngsters develop respectful relationships with staff and form positive friendships with each other.

The school was praised for its inclusive culture where "pupils achieve exceptionally well because staff understand and address every individual need".

It noted that their high expectations and curriculum development is grounded in "skills and character" so that pupils are well prepared for their future lives.

It was highlighted that the school has created an environment where pupils feel "safe and secure, and love learning".

Ofsted inspectors recognised the role of the therapy dog at the school, Jenson, who helps pupils develop self-esteem and confidence.

He participates in sessions which help pupils with their communication and social skills.

The report said parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and describe the school as "a supportive community that goes above and beyond for everyone".

Ofsted recognised that staff at Bradfields "feel valued by leaders" and this has created a "culture of mutual support and collaboration among the staff team".

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective and it was found that staff know the pupils "exceptionally well".

The report spoke in depth about passionate subject leaders that took pride in sharing their specialist knowledge with other staff and Ofsted concluded that “learning is engaging and interesting for all pupils”.

It is a particularly monumental achievement for the school under the new Ofsted framework as a report revealed that only 17% of 370 'outstanding' schools kept their rating when they had a full re-inspection in 2021 and 2022.

The school's last inspection was in 2017.

Marie Sweetlove, CEO of the Fortis Trust, added: "I am absolutely delighted and grateful to all staff who have continued to be wholly committed to ensuring the pupils at Bradfields Academy receive the very best, working tirelessly to ensure Bradfields Academy remains outstanding, with a highly inclusive and kind culture.

'We strongly believe every pupil and member of staff is an individual and visible...'

"It’s a joy to work with so many like-minded educators and facilitators and a diverse range of brilliant pupils, devoted families and carers.

"At Fortis Trust, we provide holistic education that supports the whole pupil, pastorally and academically inside and outside the classroom throughout their academic years and beyond.

"As a Trust that places children at the heart of all that we do, we value our people and prioritise health, wellbeing and ongoing professional development.

"I’m delighted that the devotion and brilliance of our expert staff was noticed.

"Fortis’ expectations and standards are unapologetically high, and our curriculum is engaging, relevant, accessible, and dynamic and packed with enrichment opportunities and clear links to future careers.

"We strongly believe every pupil and member of staff is an individual and visible.

"At Fortis everyone is nurtured, supported and inspired to reach their full potential."