EDUCATION in Worcester has received a boost after a city college was named as a national centre of expertise for special educational needs teaching.

Children's Minister Margaret Hodge selected RNIB New College as one of only 12 specialist schools to promote excellence in SEN provision.

The Whittington Road college will receive a one-off payment of £100,000 and around £60,000 a year to extend SEN opportunities, improve outreach activities and advise other special and mainstream schools.

The college, which has charity status, will also receive £1m over the next three years to set up a teacher-training scheme.

This will comprise a network of experienced tutors to help trainee teachers identify and assist pupils with learning difficulties.

The announcements come as Worcestershire County Council is considering closing one city special school and transforming two others to increase "inclusion" among SEN pupils.

"The announcement is very good timing," said cabinet member for education June Longmuir.

Community

"We have been in touch with the governing body of the college since November and are very hopeful that we can work together to see how we can benefit the community together."

Ian Fell, chairman of the board of governors at New College, was excited about the possibilities for the future.

"It is absolutely great news," he said. "We will be able to develop the processes that are pertinent to us and other schools that are involved with inclusion, particularly in Worcester.

"We have so far been separate from the ongoing reorganisation of special school, but we are very keen to be able to offer something in the future."

From September 2005, the RNIB will specialise in one of four areas - communication and interaction; cognition and learning; behavioural, emotional and social difficulties; or sensory and physical needs.

The decision on which area will be adopted is due to be taken early in the New Year.