A Garston school has been recognised for its specialist understanding of autism.

Staff and students of Garston Manor School were presented with a plaque celebrating their National Autistic Society (NAS) accreditation by the society's Nicola Kennedy.

In order to achieve the accolade, the school had to provide evidence that it had a specialised knowledge and understanding of autism and that this knowledge consistently informed the organisation, resources and management of the school.

Helen Dormer, Garston Manor's director of learning, said: "To get this accreditation we had to complete a year-long training process involving the whole school team, from senior leaders to learning support assistants and pass a two-day inspection at the end.

"The NAS review team considered the systems of behaviour management including implementing, reviewing and monitoring to be a strength of the school.

"The team were impressed with the relationships between staff and pupils which have developed as a result of staff commitment to individual pupils’ specific needs."

Garston Manor is preparing for re-accreditation in 2017.