A rural primary school with 30 out of 110 pupils autistic, is being hailed as the most inclusive mainstream school in England.
Almost a third of pupils at Cambois Primary have an education, health and care plan – 10 times the average for a mainstream primary.
As well as the autistic pupils, nine have ADHD. Head teacher Marianne Allan is proud of the school's record and says it is “deliberately inclusive”.
Pupils travel for miles to get to the school in the former pit village in Northumberland. Marianne is the mother of an autistic child and that drives her desire to help others.
She said: “People say becoming a parent doesn’t change you as a teacher, but I’d completely disagree.
“I would find it really hard to say to a parent, ‘Your child can’t come here.’ I am really proud of this school and its record – being so inclusive is what makes it so special.”
Marianne, 41, became head in 2015 and to cater for the needs of the children, the school has everything from a therapy dog to a Zen garden.
Pupils and staff can wear trainers, Crocs or just socks around school, and hoodies and joggers.
Therapy dog Enzo helps pupils with anxiety, while there are also space hopper chairs and egg seats in the Zen garden to help with sensory needs.
The school has started to transform its 1888 Victorian classrooms.
Lessons are often given in a forest school in nearby fields, with a fire pit, shelters and swings.
The school was highlighted as part of World Autism Acceptance Week, which ended today with the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead being lit up in gold.
