YOUNG children at a special school now have better facilities following criticisms in an official report.

Broadlands Special School, Blackburn, which caters for 36 three to five-year-olds with learning difficulties, was criticised by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) last year.

They said toilet areas were cramped, insufficiently ventilated and did not allow the children sufficient privacy and dignity. The school's play area was also criticised for being too small, having sharp corners and not providing enough stimulation for the children, while a lack of storage space was also highlighted.

Now, however, these problems have been or are being overcome.

The school now has new brightly-coloured bathroom and toilet facilities, new beds for changing children, new ducting to improve ventilation and better storage facilities.

Outside, the playground is being split into three areas and redeveloped. The first phase, which is already completed, includes a new climbing frame with safety surfacing so the children are not injured.

Other parts of the playground, due for completion in the coming months, will include an area for ball games and a third area which will include a bicycle track over different surfaces and a "natural area" with a selection of plants and trees.

Headteacher Mrs Dorothy Mitchell said: "The children all love the new climbing frame which extends their physical skills."

She added: "All the curriculum issues arising from the inspection have been covered in the school development plan.

"The health and safety issues have or are being dealt with and it has made a big difference to the school.

"When the outside play area is finished, that will be wonderful."

Money for the refurbishment work has come from school funds, Lancashire County Council and donations from Lloyds, TSB and Blackburn with Darwen Council's Community Fund.

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