ALL schools strive to stimulate youngsters and meet their physical and mental needs as they grow and learn.

But in East Lancashire’s special schools, successfully achieving this goal comes with extra challenges due to the learning difficulties likely to be encompassed by pupils who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

But special needs are no obstacle to some schools giving children fantastic experiences and opportunities beyond the curriculum.

That’s the picture at Broadfield Specialist School, Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle, and one of the reasons it has been named Special School of the Year in the Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards.

In the school’s entry for the category, sponsored by Blackburn’s School of Sign Language, community co-ordinator Lee Bentley told how it ‘goes the extra mile to give our students extra activities and experiences’. The 132 pupils, aged 11 to 19, with generic learning difficulties, include 10 who use a wheelchair.

Sports activities on offer include wheelchair dancing and basketball, cycling and tricycle riding, football, cricket, swimming, rebound therapy, hydrotherapy, walking and a ‘let’s listen and move’ programme for complex learning needs/autistic pupils.

Out-of-hours clubs cover musical instrument tuition, games, card-making and crafts, trips out to bowling and other attractions including theatres, cinema and restaurants. Pupils have also been on trips to London (National Gallery, Tate Modern and ‘Billy Elliot’) and Lake District activity centres where students experienced caving, kayaking, orienteering and horse riding.

This year, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 40 pupils undertook a major project to mark the centenary of the First World War by working with local historians and other experts to explore what life was like for children when their fathers and brothers went to war.

Community involvement is a key feature of school life and groups regularly visit homes and day centres where they help the elderly.

They have also made hanging baskets for the Oswaldtwistle Welfare Group. A wide range of work experience placements are arranged and the school has its own ‘Broadfield’s Got Talent’ show each year.

These are just a few of the opportunities on offer at a school which Mr Bentley has worked at for seven years but which leaves him ‘constantly amazed’.

Told of the win, headteacher Angela Banner said: “I am bursting with pride. We are honoured and thrilled.

“The school is a nice, happy place to work and this will boost morale.”

  • Judges also commended Tor View Special School, Haslingden, which was praised for the dedication of its staff and their helpfulness to parents and pupils.