AN ELLESMERE Port school has been chosen to become a national teaching school.

Hinderton School, an autism-specific special school for pupils aged 3-11 in Ellesmere Port,, is one of over 40 schools selected in the latest recruitment round, taking a leading role in recruiting and training new entrants to the profession.

Hinderton School has been judged 'Outstanding' by Ofsted on five consecutive inspections and is accredited by the National Autistic Society.

National leaders of education along with staff in their school – appointed as national support schools – use their knowledge and experience to provide additional leadership capability in other schools in need of support.

The type of support provided is flexible and tailored to meet the needs of each individual school. National leaders of education also have responsibility for developing the next generation NLEs and national support schools.

Introduced in 2011, teaching schools are excellent schools that work with partner schools in an alliance to provide high quality school-led initial teacher training and professional development opportunities for teachers at all stages of their career.

They raise standards through supporting other schools, especially those in challenging circumstances, and ensure that the most talented school leaders are spotted and supported to become successful head teachers.

Liam Dowling, Hinderton School headteacher, said: "This vote of confidence in the work we do here at Hinderton School is wonderful to receive. All of our staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of children with autism and this has always extended to supporting colleagues in the wider community.

"We have many visitors, students and colleagues coming to observe outstanding practice. As a National Teaching School, Hinderton will be able to greatly develop this important aspect of our work with local mainstream schools as well as strengthening our connections with leading special schools nationally.

"We look forward to working with a range of partners, including our colleagues in the local Ignite Teaching School Alliance, to further improve the level of training in understanding the needs of children with autism for trainee teachers as well as existing staff."

Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "I'd like to congratulate Hinderton School and Liam Dowling on being appointed as a teaching school and a national leader of education. Hinderton is a wonderful school and all the staff should be very proud of this achievement.

"Teaching schools and national leaders of education are supporting other schools, attracting and training the best new teachers and developing the next generation of leaders."

For further information, contact headteacher Liam Dowling on 0151 338 2200 or email head@hinderton.cheshire.sch.uk.