STAFF and students at a Rowley Regis school for pupils with learning difficulties are celebrating after winning a national award.

Westminster School won the Silver Learning Outside the Classroom Mark for its innovative teaching methods.

The assistant headteacher Ben Taylor, was ecstatic when announced the school had achieved the Silver Learning Outside the Classroom Mark.

He said: "The LOtC Mark is the first national accreditation for schools which recognises, and supports the development of, learning outside the classroom across all subject areas and we are elated to have achieved the award".

The Council for LOtC said the mark is intended not only to recognise existing exemplary provision, but also to assist and support schools in developing their LOtC offer to enable all children to have access to meaningful LOtC experiences.

Oliver Flowers, executive manager at The Westminster School, said: "The school is now demonstrating a keen ability to utilise all of the facilities on offer at the Rowley Learning Campus to maximise there use to the benefit our pupils.

"LOtC provides another exciting way of engaging the pupils in curriculum content beyond the confines of the classroom."

He added: "It's great to see that recent investments in the outside spaces, such as the Eco-House and Forest Schools areas, are having such a positive impact for our pupils."

He added: "Next year the school is going for gold."

The Westminster School, which is at the Rowley Education Campus, caters for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, plus additional needs for pupils aged 7–19 years.

The school offers pupils a broad and balanced curriculum, whilst aiming to meet individual special educational needs.

The school is committed to equal opportunities, and all pupils are expected to leave school with accredited qualifications.