A SCHOOL that has been helping children with autism is celebrating a good report from Ofsted after only a year of being open.

LVS Oxford was set up in September last year in Begbroke, north-west of Oxford, and has been praised as “good” by the government’s education watchdog.

Autism spectrum disorder, which includes Asperger’s, means sufferers have issues communicating and forming relationships and become anxious or stressed in social situations.

Head of centre Louisa Allison-Bergin said: “I was really surprised that the school received a good rating in such a short space of time. I know it means a great deal to the staff who work incredibly hard.”

Young people aged 11-19 who had trouble coping with autism and Asperger’s in mainstream education are referred to the school by their local social services team.

As well as providing day-to-day education, the school allows children to board.

It is a fee-paying school – £37,500 for day pupils and £57,600 for residential – but this can be subject to change once a child has been assessed, the school said.

Students referred through their local councils get their place paid for by the authority, added Mrs Allison-Bergin.

The school tries to equip the students with social skills by allowing them to react naturally in a “safe” environment with people who have the same issues.

Class sizes are kept as small as possible, ideally under 10 pupils, to ensure that students have lots of contact time with staff.

The school currently has 42 students but after an incredible first year staff are hoping to take on more .

Stanton Harcourt resident Mrs Allison-Bergin added: “A big part of what we do is try and prepare people for their future lives, and I like to think that we do this.”

Standlake resident and head girl Kate Wolfe-Emery, 14, started at the specialist school last year.

She said: “I have definitely made lots of friends. It has helped me develop my social skills.

“I found it really stressful at my last school but I feel much more relaxed at LVS Oxford because staff really understand autism so I now feel I have a voice.”

Sixth-former and head boy Charlie Goode is currently doing an A Level in ICT and hopes to one day go to university.

The 18-year-old said: “It has provided me with an environment that is more relaxed than my previous school.

“That has allowed me to reflect on myself and understand how best to cope.”

Ofsted inspectors said: “Despite being open for a relatively short period, the school is improving and developing rapidly.

“Students make good progress, including in the sixth form provision . Some have been out of school for prolonged periods.

“They gain trust in staff, settle quickly and start to enjoy learning and as a result start to succeed.”

For more information see lvs-oxford.org.uk.