The headteacher of a Sudbury special school has hailed the “team effort’ of staff after it was found to be ‘outstanding’ following a short inspection by Ofsted.

Hillside Special School, in Hitchcock Place, was judged to be outstanding by the education watchdog in 2006, 2009 and 2014, and the rating was retained following the March 7 inspection.

The inspection team was pleased with the way new headteacher Michelle Kelly and deputy headteacher Shelley Jackson have worked to develop strong links with pupils, their families, and governors.

It was also noted that the new leadership team had been well supported by the governing body and local authority.

Teaching, learning and assessment at the school was found to be highly effective and the partnership between the school and health teams supporting Hillside impressed inspectors.

Mrs Kelly, headteacher, said: “I would like to recognise the efforts and hard work of all the governors and staff at Hillside.

“This truly is a team effort. We are all very proud of the outcome, and excited to move forward with further developments, as we continue to strive for excellence at Hillside.”

This week pupils planted fruit trees in their new orchard to celebrate the achievement and provide a lasting reminder of their time at the school.