A Keighley special school is among ten across the district beginning a phased closure today as part of a major reorganisation of special education in the Bradford district.

Braithwaite and Branshaw school in Keighley will be among thosethat will close their doors for the last time by April 18.

But today is the last for pupils attending Netherlands Special School and Community Nursery, and Wedgwood Special School and Community Nursery in Bradford, as well as at Heaton Royds Special School, in Shipley.

The others are Chapel Grange, Greenfield, Haycliffe and Lister Lane in Bradford.

The closures herald the start of a new era for both pupils and staff, but not all.

It is the end of a long career in education for Josephine Domenech, 60, of Tyersal. She is retiring after 36 years of unbroken service at Bolling Special School, in Anerley Street, Bradford.

The grandmother of four started there when it was known as Lindley House. It later federated with Roundthorn School to form Bolling, which caters for 11 to 19-year-olds with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Pupils attend the school for the last time on Tuesday.

Mrs Domenech’s colleague, Lesley Parfitt, head of Key Stage 3, said: “Josie is a fantastic person, very positive and enthusiastic. She came as a nursery nurse, started a degree and became a high-level teaching assistant. She has given a lot of staff a lot of help in studying for NVQs.

“She fostered two young girls who were originally pupils here. She is the longest serving member of staff and she will be greatly missed.”

Councillor Michael Kelly, Bradford Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said he was excited about the changes after visiting two of the three new primary special schools which open after the Easter school holidays. Primary school age pupils from the ten schools are joining many of their teachers in transferring to either Chellow Heights Special Primary in Thorn Lane, Bradford, Delius in Barkerend Road, Bradford, or Phoenix in Keighley.

Coun Kelly said: “Whilst I’m delighted that these schools are closing, I will be really pleased when the new schools are occupied and children and staff are fully comfortable in their new environments.

“These schools are absolutely fit for the 21st century. They are the very best environments that have been created in full consultation with head teachers and parents.”

Different arrangements have been agreed for secondary-aged pupils in the closing schools, with many staying on in the existing buildings. Some schools are federating with each other and re-opening under new names until three new secondary special schools are ready next spring.