THE most advanced learning centre in Europe for sensory-impaired kids is just weeks from opening its doors in Glasgow.

Building work is almost complete on a £6.8million school for up to 60 deaf and blind pupils in the city's South Side.

Hazelwood will be one of only a few schools in the UK that will educate youngsters from the ages of four to 18.

The building, set in parkland, merges Kelvin School in the city's West End and East Renfrewshire's Carnbooth, previously the only school in Scotland with day and residential facilities for deaf and blind pupils.

It has been designed by award-winning Glasgow architects Gordon Murray and Alan Dunlop with input from parents and pupils.

The building, in a corner of Bellahouston Park, has an innovative design allowing children to feel their way to classrooms using a sensory wall.

It is also one of the first schools of its kind to feature a house where kids can be taught life skills.

The school, which will open by June, will offer limited residential facilities for pupils.

Students will also have access to sensory rooms, gardens and a hydrotherapy pool. Many of the 50-plus blind and visually impaired pupils also have mobility problems.

Head teacher Margaret Orr said: "One of the most crucial aspects is that the school has been created with a lot of input from parents and pupils, where possible, to create facilities for the 21st century.

"Carnbooth was a residential school but Hazelwood will have a house on campus where pupils can be taught life skills.

"It makes sense for pupils to be taught in as normal a home environment as possible, and where we can support parents through the process."

Architect Feargal Feeney said: "We wanted to retain as many of the natural parkland features as possible.

"Light and shade was very important.

"We've created a sensory wall in the main corridor made of cork which changes texture when it reaches a classroom."

Since 1985, Carnbooth, on Busby Road near Carmunnock, has been the only school in Scotland to offer day and residential facilities.

The school has been recognised for good practice in educating deafblind children and young people, particularly in the area of communication.

Carnbooth will be staging a farewell for staff, pupils and families next Wednesday.

Kelvin School in Nairn Street near Yorkhill Hospital had its 70th birthday last year and teaches pupils with a range of special needs.