A CHARITY-run school where more than 1,000 children with complex needs have been educated has been saved for future generations of pupils after a firm stepped in to take it on.

Barnardo’s, which has run Spring Hill School, in Palace Road, Ripon, since it was converted from an evacuation centre for girls in 1950, said mounting financial pressures had made it difficult for the charity to run the day and residential school in the way that it wanted to.

Despite the funding issues, Ofsted inspectors visiting the school, which provides 52-week, 38-week and day placements, in May graded it highly in every area, rating it as good overall.

After consulting with the 27 pupils - who are aged nine to 19 and have learning difficulties and a wide range of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties - their families and staff, Barnardo’s sought to transfer the ownership to another provider, who would maintain the level of support.

Six months' of negotiations with The Cambian Group, a provider of education services with more than 35 years’ experience of working with children through specialist residential schools, education and care, have led to the firm completing a deal, which has not been disclosed, with the school.

Cambian said it would retain the 63 staff members, upgrade both the educational and residential facillities and encourage students to access resources it has at its network of schools, such as the support of a dedicated therapy team.

It said it would also strive to maintain the school’s values and links with the community.

A Cambian spokesman said: "Further investment in staff training and development will enhance staff skills in educating and caring for challenging students.

"We look forward to building on the work achieved by students and staff at the school and are committed to ensuring that every young person in our care achieves their personal best.”

A Barnardo's spokesman said it was pleased there would be continuity for the children at the school and their families.

He said: "We are also pleased that staff who have worked so hard over the years will continue to carry on working in the school, after transferring to the new providers."

The move is Barnardo's first departure from services it runs in the city since closing its West Mount home for children with emotional difficulties in 1978.

The spokesman added: “Barnardo’s remains committed to supporting children, young people and their families in all of its work.”