SPECIAL needs education in Worcestershire is in for a shake-up, if plans drawn up by education chiefs are approved.

The county council's cabinet meets today (Thursday) to discuss the radical plans but officers say the future of the Vale of Evesham School is not in doubt.

Ruth Chiva, head of services to schools, said: "The Vale of Evesham has got a very good reputation and very good Ofsted reports. It won't close. It is a very good school."

The aim of the plan, which has been forced on the county by Government policies, is to ensure that most children with moderate learning difficulties are taken out of specialist special schools and placed in mainstream education.

Mrs Chiva said: "Provision for children with special educational needs must change to address special needs and disability legislation.

"Inclusive education is about being part of the community, yet a child with special education needs in Worcestershire is almost twice as likely to attend a special school than in any other part of the country."

She said that all-age schools like the Vale of Evesham were a big strain on staff. The school has almost 150 children aged between two and 19, as well as a smaller residential unit for children with challenging behaviour, many of whom have autistic spectrum disorders.

Working parties involving parents will be set up in each area of the county to draw up plans to introduce the new measures with as little disruption as possible if the plans are approved today.

Extra training and staff will be needed in mainstream schools and Mrs Chiva added: "This is not a cost-saving exercise at all and is not the cheaper option."

Vale of Evesham School headteacher Emlyn Matthews said he was confident the school would thrive, but added: "The only issue is whether we remain an all-age school."

He said the school was about to open two new classrooms after half-term and was set to start work soon on a new respite care unit.