A SCHOOL for children with special education needs has received an Autism Accreditation by The National Autistic Society.

Villa Real School, in Consett, was given the award in recognition of its good autism practice.

The school has demonstrated a commitment to improving services for autistic pupils in recent years and staff have made positive steps forward to achieving a holistic approach.

Autism Accreditation is a specific quality assurance programme, set up in 1992 to improve the support available to autistic people in organisations throughout the UK and across the world.

To gain accreditation, organisations have to meet a standard of excellence and follow a framework for continuous self-examination and development.

Jill Bowe, headteacher of Villa Real School, said: “Villa Real School should be exceptionally proud of their achievement.

“The National Autistic Society’s Autism Accreditation programme was launched over 20 years ago and sets extremely high standards, which the school has worked incredibly hard to meet.

“Being autistic means you feel, hear and see things in a different, often more intense, way to others and may struggle in certain social situations.

“More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and it will affect each one of them slightly differently, some go on to successful careers while others need intensive support to go about their daily lives.

“Autism Accreditation highlights good autism practice and we are very pleased to be here to celebrate Villa Real School’s achievement.”