A SPECIAL school is celebrating after winning an award for the quality of its staff training, development and teamwork.

Elemore Hall School at Pittington is the first residential school in the region to be awarded the Investors in People status. This is awarded to organisations which reach nationally-set standards of employee training and development. Only ten per cent of schools in the country have the status. Elemore teaches secondary-age pupils with social, emotional and behavioural problems.

Headteacher Mike Davey said: "We are delighted to achieve national recognition. The school community places great emphasis on team-work and striving to achieve high quality in the support that we provide for both staff and pupils."

The inspectors said the school's commitment to support the training and development of all staff was evident.

"What is more impressive is the level of informal support offered to staff through day-to-day contact in daily meetings, weekly team meetings and general staff communications.

"It is confirmed that staff have a very strong sense of how they contribute to achieving the aims of Elemore Hall School. Comments were made that the clear lines of responsibility and management structure of the school were valued by staff and contrasted to other schools that the panels had experience of.''