Despite a recent Ofsted report saying Doucecroft school needed special measures, parents still have a very positive view of the Kelvedon school.

The school, which is owned and run by the Essex Autistic Society, was visited by a team of inspectors in November, and the report concludes that pupils' attitudes, behaviour, personal development and relationships are good.

Parents take a positive view that the school has improved their lives and those of their children, and commend the partnership and relationship between them and the school.

The report also praised the commitment and work of the support and care staff, and a meeting between parents and the registered inspectors was described as a "joyous occasion."

But despite all the positive attributes to come from the report, certain areas of the school were deemed to be unsatisfactory.

Standards of education for the youngest children and older students in the further education department were regarded as good, but certain aspects of teaching and achievement in the intermediate classes were seen to be unsatisfactory.

This also applied to some areas of the curriculum and its monitoring and overall leadership and management.

John Jones, chief executive of the Essex Autistic Society, said: "Whilst the Ofsted report highlights the many things which the school does well and, in particular, the good relationship with parents and pupils and the good standards of care, it is rather disappointing in relation to the areas where improvement is required.

"Unfortunately, the shortage of teachers which is being experienced throughout education has aggravated the position. Ofsted inspections are however intended to be constructive and we welcome the challenge and encouragement to do better in the areas needing improvement."

Published Monday January 14, 2002