WE are writing to express our concern over the proposals for Thornton House School and Nursery Assessment Unit.

Our son began attending Thornton House Nursery in January, 2003. When he started, he did not talk and we could walk into the room and he would not even notice us.

By the time he left the nursery to start reception at Thornton House School, he was a completely changed child.

He now calls us "mummy" and "daddy", asks for things he needs, kisses us hello and goodbye and things have only continued improving for him since attending Reception at Thornton House School.

Thanks to the expertise of the staff at both the nursery and the main school, he has become confident enough to be able to also attend a mainstream school, albeit with support.

The primary reason for him attending mainstream school is to help develop his social skills. His academic learning still requires a far more specialised approach. We feel very fortunate that he has been allowed a split placement enabling him to benefit from both environments as he attends Thornton House School in the mornings and a mainstream school in the afternoons.

Although we understand the Government is pushing for inclusion for special needs children, how does it propose to fund the support workers needed to help these children?

We only receive enough support for our son to attend mainstream school three afternoons a week and if the proposals go through, there is a chance he will need to go full-time.

How will they be able to find and fund full-time support by qualified specialists in the field of autism?

As for the proposal to close the Nursery Assessment Unit, we cannot think of a greater injustice.

LLOYD AND PAM GOUGH, Worcester.