A DUDLEY school is celebrating after being the first special school in the borough to receive specialist status in communication and interaction.

Old Park School in Corbyn Road was awarded the status after excelling in communication and interaction - and marked the occasion with a day of celebrations.

Headteacher Gill Cartwright said: “All of our children have communication difficulties, but we are passionate they should have a voice and should be listened to.”

Special schools have only recently become eligible to gain specialist status and had to raise £20,000 in sponsorship before applying.

Mrs Cartwright said: “We were told the money had to come from private sponsorship. It was hard work to try and get interest. I sent off about 100 letters.

“But then Ian Austin got involved and he managed to get Westfield Merry Hill on board who came up with the whole amount of money. We were delighted.”

After successfully passing the rigorous inspections, the school was awarded the status as well as £100,000 to buy equipment and resources. The school will also receive £60,000 each year for the next three years.

As part of the day of celebrations, staff and pupils welcomed a clown and dancers to the school for an assembly of thanks.

They were also joined by children from other schools to jointly perform a song with Makaton sign language, which they have all been learning.