A SPECIAL school went back in time as pupils learnt the art of stone age pottery.

Craftsman Eddie Daughton spent three days at Nyland Special School in Nyland Road, where he dug a stone age kiln in the school grounds.

The pupils each made pots in art lessons and used the kiln to fire them. A total of 45 children used the kiln, with Nyland pupils being joined by youngsters from nearby Nythe Primary School.

Nyland headteacher Paul Sunners said: "It was good to have Mr Daughton at the school and the pupils really enjoyed it.

"Mr Daughton was responsible for lighting the kiln and loading the pots onto it because you've got to be very careful.

"This is an example of how we manage our curriculum because we are a special school.

"We try to harness the creative expertise we know exists in the community and tie it in with the topics we are doing."

Mr Sunners said the project took place just as a report was published by Government inspectors Ofsted that praised Nyland as a "good school that provides a good standard of education."

The report said pupils make good progress and learn well as a result of effective teaching.

Speaking on the report, Mr Sunners said: "The inspection reflects the hard work and commitment shown by all staff in their endeavour to provide a quality learning experience for all pupils."