THE first special school in Britain to get specialist college status has now come under the education watchdog spotlight.

Crosshill School, Blackburn, has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for its innovative and outward-looking curriculum.

Inspectors highlighted the school's excellent links with other schools as well as Blackburn College, saying they led to good achievements and prepared pupils well for life after school.

And they praised headteacher of 16 years Mike Hatch and his team for outstanding commitment to the school which last year opened a £3 million e-learning centre, created its own e-library and Japanese garden room for quiet study and installed a flat to help pupils learn the skills of independent living.

The school was commended highly on its links with parents, carers and the community which, the report said, went a long way towards the learning of the pupils.

The headteacher, Mike Hatch said: "We are absolutely delighted, as are all the parents. I am especially pleased about the praise of the teaching assistants who do a remarkable job here in school."

Coun Mahfooz Hussain, executive member for education and lifelong learning, congratulated the school and said: "The good leadership and management as well as the commitment of the entire staff has shone through in the report."