Bradford's special schools do a good job, according to Government inspectors from Ofsted.

But several reports have highlighted major deficiencies in the school buildings.

At Chapel Grange School in Rhodesway, Allerton, head teacher Hilary Morrison despairs of an ancient portable building which is used as a library and music room, which was criticised in the school's 2000 Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors said: "Aspects of the school's accommodation require urgent attention", and that accommodation for autistic pupils was "barely adequate".

"We aren't the worst - others have much more pressing needs," Mrs Morrison said. "But we do have a terrapin building in a dreadful state."

The standard of accommodation in special schools across the district has long been a cause of concern.

When middle schools were shut and the huge £186 million re-organisation programme planned out, special schools were left out - much to their consternation. As a result the buildings have not enjoyed the injection of new cash that has benefited many others.

Official watchdogs have in many cases commented on the problems. Some buildings are not fully wheelchair-accessible, or toilets have not been adapted properly, leaving youngsters, in some cases, with their dignity compromised.

When Haycliffe School was visited by Ofsted last year, they noted that "accommodation is inadequate", adding: "Staff are extremely successful in making the best of what's available... however the considerable difficulties with accommodation have a negative impact on learning."

It said there were not enough classrooms and they were not big enough.

Ofsted also criticised the buildings at Branshaw School in Keighley in an otherwise-positive report.

"Staff work hard to overcome the inadequacies of the building," the report said.

It said classrooms were too small, corridors too narrow and the toilets weren't good enough. Among its recommendations to Branshaw, Ofsted said: "Liaise with Education Bradford in respect of the future of the school and need for continued improvements." Now, staff and parents are being promised new buildings that, unlike the current ones, are designed with the special needs of pupils in mind.

Susan Gill, head teacher at Bolling Special School, said: "This new build will hopefully address the premises issues many of us currently experience. It will take time but I am sure it will be a very exciting and worthwhile exercise when we get the right schools at the end of the day."

The shake-up will not only provide new buildings but will completely redesign the special schools sector, giving fewer but larger schools.

It will spell the end of schools such as Branshaw and Braithwaite in Keighley which cater for two to 18-year-olds. And it aims to promote closer collaboration between special and mainstream schools.

Mrs Morrison said: "Sometimes it's difficult to establish links with mainstream schools, perhaps because you don't have one nearby."

Education Bradford said the new pattern of schools would cater for those youngsters with the most severe and complex needs, for instance multiple learning difficulties.

The growing number of autistic children in the district will be catered for at all of the six new schools, as well as existing centres in mainstream schools.

An independent review is to be carried out next term into how well Bradford copes with autistic youngsters.