OFSTED inspectors have confirmed what parents already knew - that Mountjoy special school in Bridport provides quality education for their children.

The positive report comes at a time when the school is facing up to proposals to close Mountjoy and replace it with two new units at mainstream schools.

Headteacher Pam Stewart said: "Obviously I am delighted that the work of the staff, the governors and the parents and friends has been recognised and praised.

There were no real surprises regarding the building though."

The Ofsted report says the school provides good value for money, praising the standard of teaching, management, caring environment, links with mainstream schools and the community. It was found to be an effective school, very inclusive and improving.

Inspectors said all key issues highlighted in the previous Ofsted report have been successfully dealt with - apart from the sub-standard accommodation, which is channelling the energies of staff away from their teaching.

Inspectors said: "Since the last inspection, the needs of the pupils have become significantly more complex. In July 2002 the local education authority made a decision to build a new school to solve the difficulties with the accommodation.

However, discussions with a representative from the LEA during this inspection confirm that this decision is currently being reviewed.

"Although considerable effort has been made to make the best of the inadequate buildings, the numerous shortfalls continue to place restrictions on pupils' learning and make the work of the staff more difficult.

"However, in spite of this and due to the hard work of the staff, pupils' progress and achievement have improved well."

Mountjoy's teachers have good levels of expertise, say the inspectors, particularly in meeting the needs of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders, so these pupils learn very well. Strong relationships between pupils and staff lead to all pupils working hard. The children say they feel safe and regard the teachers as 'their friends'.

Inspectors added: "Improving the progress pupils make and ensuring they have the highest quality of education possible are fundamental to all decisions made and have led to the drive to working closely with mainstream schools.

"Parents are very pleased about the work of the school. They particularly liked the caring environment and open door policy where any problems are quickly dealt with."

The inspectors concluded that the school's main strengths were in the way the pupils develop a sense of confidence and responsibility; in the excellent relationships throughout the school, the good behaviour of pupils and their enthusiasm for learning and perseverance even when they find activities difficult.

"Pupils enjoy coming to school, they comment, and their parents confirm, that they are happy and feel safe.

"The very positive ethos of the school is mainly due to the excellent relationships that exist between pupils and staff, and those between pupils.

Pupils rise to the high expectations set by staff. Pupils follow the very good example set by staff showing respect for each other and for everyone who works in the school.

"The quality of teaching and learning has improved well since the last inspection. The amount of very good or excellent teaching and learning has more than trebled. In all classes staff use a great deal of praise and encouragement. Pupils feel they are succeeding and rise to challenges. The pupils genuinely want to please the staff they work with because the relationships are so positive."

There is also high praise for head teacher Pam Stewart's leadership and the resilience of staff and governors.

"They have maintained a high morale in spite of recent news that the school may not be rebuilt. The most significant barrier to achievement is the woefully inadequate accommodation."