A SCHOOL for children with autism has been praised for the "significant progress" it has made since a damning report by an education watchdog.

Ofsted rated Doucecroft School, in Eight Ash Green, as inadequate after an inspection earlier this year.

It found staff were “fire fighting” on a daily basis and some did not have an understanding of autism spectrum disorder.

An inspection team led by John Randall visited the school last month and said progress was being made - however the team found more still needed to be done.

The report said pupils now followed a more structured timetable.

It added: "The headteacher has challenged staff’s ingrained orthodoxies on best practice for supporting pupils with complex needs.

"Since the previous inspection, staff have brought about significant improvements to the quality of education that pupils experience."

The inspectors found there has been a "dramatic reduction" in the use of restrictive physical intervention and staff were better equipped to support pupils with complex needs.

It added: "The approach to managing pupils’ behaviour is more effective.

"There is an increased focus on rewards, and celebrating success at assemblies that builds pupils’ resilience and confidence."

Headteacher Louise Parkinson, who was appointed after the inadequate ruling, was praised for turning around the school's fortunes.

The report said she had "worked tirelessly to drive the school forward."

"The progress made in that limited time has been stark and there have been significant and widespread changes," the report said.

"The headteacher has an accurate view of the school’s effectiveness and knows that some standards will take longer to meet than others.

"Importantly, improvements are built on long-term and sustainable solutions that address the underlying weaknesses."

Mrs Parkinson said: "It is really positive and the staff have worked really hard.

"The feedback from students and parents has been positive.

"We still have a way to go and we still have got work to do but we have got the base plan for a very successful school going forward.

"I am very proud of the students and staff."

The school is run by charity Autism Anglia and caters for pupils aged three to 19.