The current headteacher joined shortly after the last inspection. The Loddon School is a special school that provides year-round education and care for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders compounded by extreme and challenging behaviour. Many pupils have additional disabilities such as epilepsy and very severe communication Inspection report: The Loddon School, 10–12 July 2018 Page 7 of 10 disorders. Pupils’ attainment is well below that typical for their chronological age. The school only admits pupils who have the most severe learning difficulties. Every pupil has an education, health and care (EHC) plan. All pupils have been excluded from their previous special schools, or their previous school has been unable to meet their current needs on their EHC plan. The school was established as a charitable trust in 1988 and currently has 28 pupils on roll. Almost all are boys. All pupils are funded by their home authority. Almost all pupils are children looked after. The aim of the school is to provide for the needs of the pupils through a multi-disciplinary approach so that pupils can achieve as much independence in adult life as possible. The school is set within 10 acres of grounds, which include animal paddocks, an orchard, allotment, outdoor exercise gym and play equipment, a sensory room and playground, and a nature and cycle trail. There is an indoor swimming pool. The school does not use alternative provision. The school was last inspected in July 2015.