WE are writing regarding the threatened changes at Thornton House School.

Our five-year-old son went to the Nursery Assessment unit when he was three years old. He was only able to say a few words and was very withdrawn.

Straightaway, we could see a massive improvement. He was a lot more confident and able to start to communicate with us.

The nursery assessment unit made a great deal of difference to our child's quality of life as he was no longer becoming frustrated with not being able to tell us what he wanted.

Thornton House is a magical place where he was extremely happy. He was in a small class where he received all the individual attention he needed.

He then did a trial at a mainstream school where he just sat and did not say a word to anyone.

The teacher told us that she could not cope and the he needed specialist teaching.

Then he went to Thornton Main School and it is the best thing that we have ever done. He is now a different little boy who is happy, confident and can communicate. He loves going to school.

Worcestershire County Council should be extremely proud of both Thornton House main school and the nursery assessment unit.

CHRISTINE AND MARK POWELL,

Worcester.

n AS a parent of one of the pupils attending Thornton House Nursery assessment unit, it was with great concern and dismay to read in your recent report that plans were being considered to close it and transfer pupils to mainstream schools.

This would take away the chance for these children to benefit from the special skills taught by the staff.

Our daughter, who is "special needs" joined the NAU last September, and in that short time we have seen a vast improvement in her speech and basic learning.

My wife and I have nothing but praise and admiration for Thornton House teaching, and I would ask the planners considering the closure to think very carefully and not deny these children (and parents) the special chance and hope for their early learning years.

PETER WILKES,

Worcester.