IT provides care and education for some of the most vulnerable and challenging children in the country.

And now the Mulberry Bush School, in Standlake, is the latest special school in Oxfordshire to be rated outstanding by schools inspectors from Ofsted.

Since 1948, the school, which is run by a charity, has taught children excluded from other schools who have suffered severe emotional damage in infancy and early childhood.

Inspectors Michael Williams and Sharron Escott gave the school, which currently has 31 pupils aged five to 13, the highest rating in every area. They said: “Pupils make outstanding progress socially and emotionally through their residential experience.

“They significantly increase their ability to have healthy and mutually trusting relationships and significantly decrease their aggression, antisocial behaviour and levels of hitting and hurting.”

Pictured are staff, from left, Mike Bowring, director John Turberville, David Roberts, Joy Oldfield, Louise Tolley, Nicky Turberville, Jo Gorton and Mike Staines.

Mr Turberville said: “We’re delighted with the report. It’s a recognition of the quality of the service we provide, linked to the outcomes for the children and their families.” Picture OX50977 Antony Moore