GLASGOW is leading the way in providing education for youngsters with special needs thanks to a new hi-tech school.

Hazelwood, in the grounds of Bellahouston Park at Dumbreck, opened its doors 10 days ago and is already making a huge difference to pupils. School is vital for the future

Head teacher Monica McGeever is delighted with the new school and believes future generations of children from all over the west of Scotland and beyond will benefit.

She said: "There's so many features that make Hazelwood special.

"The design makes it easy for children to move around and be independent.

"Subtle features such as the trail rail are very useful, while the materials used throughout - such as slate, cork and wood - make it a very stimulating environment.

"The new building is safe, but it is also challenging for the pupils, which is vital."

She added: "We're doing everything we can to stimulate the real environment outside these doors. The life skills house is a fantastic example of this.

"The staff and pupils already love the school - it really is fit for the 21st century.

"And we've had a wonderful welcome from the local community too." Timesfile

THE school's features include: THE LIFE SKILLS HOUSE A fully-equipped three-bedroom bungalow built on to the school. The house teaches pupils how to become more independent. Older pupils can go there to make lunch, relax or stay overnight. TRAILING WALLS Embossed walls run throughout the school and enable the children to easily find their way by feel. An array of surfaces and materials have been used to make them stimulating. The texture changes as they near a classroom. HYDROTHERAPY POOL: A warm, calming room with mobile hoists to aid the mobility of the most disabled children. While in the pool youngsters become more relaxed and responsive. GYM A floor level trampoline and soft play area makes it a safe, fun environment. DINING AREA: This modern, cafe-style space helps children learn vital skills, such as queuing. The bright social area is right at the centre of the school and is used for assemblies. OTHER TOP FEATURES: Separate art, music, cookery, library and computer suites.Spacious rooms for the doctor and nurse. Outdoor music, play and sensory area.

They are aged 2-19 and many have a complex range of physical and learning disabilities.

Billed as the most advanced school of its kind in Europe, Hazelwood cost Glasgow City Council £6.8million and has been designed to provide the latest hi-tech facilities.

It also prepares the 48 pupils from all over west Scotland and beyond for life in the outside world.

Hazelwood is a replacement for two schools - Carnbooth and Kelvin - which were closed. It took four years to plan and build, but parents say it is well worth the wait.

Alison Hiddlestone, from Clarkston, whose 13-year-old son Adam attends, said: "The school is out of this world. We are so lucky to have it here in Glasgow."

Education bosses say the school, which can accommodate up to 60 children, sets a new standard in the education of youngsters with visual impairments and other special needs.

Every inch of the light, airy building, which was designed by Glasgow architects Murray Dunlop, has been developed with pupils and teachers in mind.

A modern, cafe-style dining hall forms the hub, giving children the chance to socialise and learn skills such as queuing.

Special trailing walls allow youngsters to feel their way along the corridors, while a custom-built life skills house gives older children the chance to try independent living overnight.

The heated hydrotherapy pool aids movement and communication, while the outdoor play areas, with special bikes, swings and chutes, give lots of space for fun.

Other features include a gym with a floor-level trampoline, special art, cookery, music and computer suites.

The school is already proving a hit with pupils.

Adam, who has been blind since birth, said: "The school is great. I can find my way around really easily with the help of trailing walls - they are brilliant.

"I also love the outside play area and the life skills house. And because two schools have merged I have also made lots of new friends."

His mother believes the school will give children a great opportunity to learn.

She said: "It is so important for all our children to get the right sort of education, one that includes skills they can use in later life.

"Parents were involved in the planning of the school and its facilities and I think that made a real difference.

"To see all that planning come to fruition is wonderful.

"Hazelwood has everything we could hope for, and the staff are so dedicated."

Gary Simpson's 16-year-old twins, Martin and Gerard, also go to Hazelwood. Both are blind and have learning difficulties, and are already making progress.

Mr Simpson, from Newlands, said: "Every child is an individual and the staff recognise that and tailor classes to their needs.

"The transition from the old schools went so smoothly.

"My boys are doing well. Because they are older, they feel like big brothers to the younger kids - it is great to see them helping out others."

Councillor Gordon Matheson, the council's executive member for education, said: "Hazelwood is the finest example of its kind in Europe and sets new standards for education provision.

"It shows the council is committed to developing every child in Glasgow, no matter their needs." Assistant Fiona Diet with James Buchanan, 13, in the pool Alison Hiddlestone with son Adam at the trailing wall There is time for fun on the playground swing Helen Crossman and Linda Durr with Matthew McGee on the rocking horse Head teacher Monica McGeever is delighted with the school