SCHOOL REPORT: Windsmoor House is an independent day school for children with learning difficulties and has just been named as a finalist in the the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards.

It offers full-time and flexible placements for young people with learning problems.

The school aims to offer pupils a second chance at education where previously they have been unsuccessful in a mainstream setting.

It offers an environment where they can experience academic success, and develop their self-esteem, preparing them to meet the challenges of adult life.

HISTORY LESSON: Windsmoor House was opened for business in September 2001 by a former special school instructor.

His initial hurdle was finding suitable premises in order that the individual needs of the pupils could be met within the school.

Eventually a building was found in East Park Road.

After several months of hard work, extensive research and planning, Windsmoor House began its education programme.

NUMBER OF PUPILS: Today the school has 24 pupils and currently employs 20 full-time staff, including qualified teachers, learning support workers, instructors, auxiliary staff and educational consultancy.

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT: The school has recently acquired a provision that will afford it the opportunity to extend its resources to offer its young people curriculum experiences across the full range of technology, motor vehicle studies and work-related learning programmes.

Longer-term developments may include extending the provision so that the school can offer residential placements.

John Rendall, head of business banking at HSBC and an award judge, said: "Windsmoor House School demonstrated a particularly impressive combination of business flair, creativity and determination."