A SPECIAL school in Oldbury has won a rare gold award for outstanding health and safety.

The Meadows Sports College achieved the highest accolade in its first attempt at applying for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents award.

Principal Gordon Phillips said: “I am so delighted with this stunning achievement which places us in a very strong position for our forthcoming Ofsted.”

Inspectors made a thorough check of the Dudley Road East school’s procedures and policies ensuring they were robust and effective.

Mr Phillips described the inspection as “like a mini Ofsted” involving the whole school from senior leaders to the pupils.

The Meadows is the only Sandwell school to receive a RoSPA health and safety award and one of only 700 organisations worldwide to earn a coveted gold.

Recently-appointed business director Zilu Miah has moved the school forward, making further improvements to its health and safety.

New innovations include electronic gates and electronic signing in systems for staff and visitors.

Mr Phillips said they would have been pleased with a bronze award and to achieve such a high standard the whole school had to be involved.

“Everyone has to be on the ball with health and safety. A bridge is only as strong as its weakest link,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Phillips reported that £820 has been raised from his ninth annual sponsored 10km run in Caterton, Oxfordshire, last month – almost £200 short of his target to fund new adventure playground equipment.

He wants to replace the aged specialist equipment to benefit the pupils who have severe learning difficulties and complex needs, some of whom also have life-limiting medical conditions.

“It would be great if we could reach our target and we would be very grateful for any donations,” said Mr Phillips.

Individuals and organisations who would like to sponsor him should contact the school on 0121 569 7080.