THE future of special schools hangs in the balance after proposals to integrate children into mainstream schools were agreed.

The new policy, under Government proposals for inclusion in schools, also signalled a death knell for the relocation of Cliffey House School to Worcester.

At a meeting of Worcestershire County Council's cabinet yesterday, councillors decided to adopt the principles of a new county policy for special educational needs (SEN).

It means that units for children with SEN will be attached to mainstream schools; residential units for young people with complex and multiple learning and physical disabilities could be established and two distinct schools for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties will be provided.

Funds of £2.5m that had been set aside for Cliffey House's relocation from Hanley Castle, look set to be used to pay for the new proposals.

"I seriously believe it is essential if we are going to improve services in the south of the county that resources to be used to replace one school should be used for a range of services for mainstream schools," said Councillor June Longmuir, cabinet member for education.

"The south of the county is in particular need of support services.

"Cliffey House itself would probably be almost illegal and outdated within a matter of years.

"I understand the concern of people with children in places like Thornton House as to where their children will go.

"It won't be a case of closing one school and replacing it with lots of units."

The draft county policy for SEN provision is in response to a Government initiative.

But the plans have received criticism.

"I don't feel this is the way forward," said Coun Tom Wells.

"Just because the Government is telling us doesn't mean it's the right path.

"All the evidence is that children are attending schools like Thornton House because they have been failed by mainstream schools.

"Integrating children with moderate learning difficulties into schools is going to be a hell of a task."

The cabinet also agreed to carry out a consultation on the future of SEN provision at secondary level in south Worcestershire and to put the Cliffey House School relocation plans on hold.

'Cliffey House could be closed within two years'

CLIFFEY House School could be closed for good in two years, leading to the inclusion of children with moderate learning difficulties into mainstream schools.

News that the county is adopting an inclusion strategy closes the door on plans to relocate the troubled school, which has been desperate to move to suitable premises.

The secondary school at Hanley Castle, near Malvern, has narrowly escaped closure by Ofsted inspectors who have criticised the inadequacy of the site.

The school had hoped to move to a purpose-built site at Merriman's Hill, Worcester, but Worcestershire County Council's cabinet has scuppered those plans.

"This council committed itself to establishing a new Cliffey House in Worcester," said Councillor Tom Wells, speaking at the cabinet meeting yesterday.

"It's reasonable for the major feeder schools to have explained that to parents.

"I can understand the frustration and irritation at that school now.

"I'd like assurance that the £2.5m set aside for the school will be ring-fenced to provide SEN and the sort of needs that Cliffey House would have provided."

The council is set to consult with high schools in south Worcestershire to open bases staffed with specialist teachers.

"Moving the pupils from Cliffey House School into supported mainstream schools, as part of a managed programme, will demonstrate the council's commitment to social and educational inclusion," the council's consultation document says.