BOLTON'S newest state-of-the-art school has finally opened its doors -- shedding an old Victorian building and an outdated stigma.

Woodside Primary School for children with special needs is now Ladywood School and is based in a modern, bright and airy building.

Gone are the four flights of stairs, old fashioned furniture and scarcity of modern technology.

More importantly, gone too is the stigma that was so misplaced on the old school.

In their place is the new building, sited alongside Masefield Road Primary School in Little Lever, fitted out with the latest equipment and roomy classrooms, which cater for 80 children.

Headteacher Sally McFarlane said: "We were in a big, four storey Victorian house which was inappropriate for the children, particularly those with mobility problems. We take in primary school children with complex learning difficulties. Some have physical problems, others suffer from autism, and then there are those with general difficulties.

"This new school opened last Thursday and the children were thrilled. The building is just so much more appropriate in every sense.

"Classrooms are a decent size, the school is all on one level and there are additional facilities. These include a soft play room and sensory room.

"The full sized hall means we can also finally do PE properly. We have also started a more sophisticated specialist provision for children with autism.

"Overall it is much more appropriate. It has also been very positive for not only the children but the staff, and especially parents.

"We finally reached this point after three-and-a-half years. That was when the decision was made that the school needed to move elsewhere, but it was not until two years ago that this site was considered a serious option.

"The school was called Woodside because the building we were in was originally called Woodside House. That name belonged to that building. But in addition we felt there was a level of stigma attached to the old Woodside School. This Victorian-style stigma had been attached to the children who attended the school in bygone years and belongs in the past.

"The name Ladywood was decided upon by staff and governors and links Woodside with a mine called Ladyshaw which used to run under Little Lever.

"Every child here is an individual. Their needs are diverse and cover a wide range of difficulties."

In addition to looking forward to forging closer links with the neighbouring Masefield School, Mrs McFarlane also plans to develop the outside of the school, introducing landscaping. Further equipment for the sensory room is also on the agenda.