THE proposed cost and timeframe for south Worcestershire's controversial special school reorganisation have finally been announced.

The bill for the overhaul is expected to hit £5m, with notices of closures issued for the three Worcester schools this month if the county council cabinet agrees to the plans on Monday.

If all goes to plan Manor Park, Thornton House and Rose Hill schools will close in summer 2007, with the last two reopening in September as generic schools for children with special educational needs.

The Vale of Evesham school will also close and, after being revamped, re-open as a three-tier special school on the same site.

The finalised plans come after education chiefs "successfully" met with headteachers, governors and health professionals, and also with a newly-formed parents' consultation group.

"The meetings have been excellent," said Julien Kramer, director of education.

"We agreed on 11 separate pieces of work - such as the numbers, accommodation and costs - and the input from the parents has been great.

"It has really helped us take this forward."

After notices of closure, the School Organisation Committee would then have to rubber-stamp the move before detailed site visits to prepare for the necessary renovation work in the summer.

Temporary governing bodies would be chosen in the autumn to appoint two new headteachers in spring next year.

The £5m costs would be partially offset by the sale of the Manor Park School site and the council will also benefit from lower staff costs.

The cabinet is expected to agree to the plans when they meet at County Hall on Monday.