One of Bradford’s newest special schools has shown off its facilities to the public at an open day.

Chellow Heights School, Heaton, was one of three which opened in the spring to cater for primary-aged children with special educational needs, with funding from the Building Schools for Future programme.

Ten schools shut earlier this year and three new secondary-age schools are set to open after Easter to complete the reorganisation.

Chellow Heights has 74 staff to care for 90 children who have behavioural, emotional, learning, physical or medical needs and disabilities.

It has been built next to Heaton Primary School. The schools share a playground and children are encouraged to mix.

The two-storey special school has lifts for wheelchairs. It is rectangular-shaped with patches of bright exterior walls designed by pupils.

At the front is a ‘docking station’ for taxis.

The area is locked down while children are outside and a locking system allows exits to be sealed when they are in lessons.

Inside, pupils with visual difficulties are aided by a ‘trail rail’ which runs along the walls of a wide, circular, central corridor on each level. The design, coupled with the locking system means ‘runners’, children who run because of their conditions, are less common because teachers do not need to chase them and the ‘game’ diminishes.

Another feature is a ‘way finder’ board outside each room which include touch-activated speakers to announce the location, room- relevant soft toys on chains and the name of the room in sign language.

There is a hydrotherapy pool, a rebound room for wheelchair-bound children to improve their balance, a sensory room and a sports hall with programmable lighting to project themes such as shapes to aid maths lessons.

Children are encouraged to serve and clear up after themselves during lunch breaks.

In the centre of the building is an outside space with three C-shaped bench areas for outdoor lessons.

It is furnished with places for children to sit. Quiet eating areas and classrooms open out onto the courtyard.

Head teacher Sue Haithwaite said: “The children love the space and the co-location is great because we have a whole campus of schools that support us.

“The design means that the children are learning a lot more about independence.

“From a staff point of view, they are providing real enrichment across the curriculum.”