A SPECIAL school in Tonge Moor has received top marks from education watchdogs.

Firwood School, in Crompton Way, is providing a first class education to secondary pupils with learning disabilities, according to inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education.

The inspection report said the school has excellent links with parents, a very good ethos and high quality teaching.

Jubilant headteacher Dr Jonathan Steele said: "I am delighted with this report and would like to thank our pupils, staff, parents, governors and all involved for all their hard work."

Pupils' attitudes and behaviour were described as "very good" because of the extremely positive relationships throughout the school and the watchdogs noted that "everyone is treated with dignity and respect". The report said staff encourage pupils, organise interesting and appropriate activities and have high expectations of behaviour.

Firwood's specialist teachers were also praised for meeting the needs of pupils with autism.

The report stated that all pupils make good progress regardless of their level or type of disability, and

The very good leadership and management in the school was also noted, with the headteacher's vision very well focused on improving pupils' achievement as well as the quality of education provided.

Future plans for the school also came in for praise. The report is supportive of education bosses proposals forto provide improved accommodation by rebuilding Firwood School on the Withins site.

TOP MARKS: Headteacher Dr Jonathan Steele, with Firwood School pupils, front left clockwise, Lucy, Rachel, Amy, Ashton, Dhamendra and Rachel