THE radical plans to change the way Worcestershire children with special educational needs are taught are continuing to cause great concern for parents.

The new policy follows Government demands for a more "inclusive" system, stating that children with special needs should be taught in mainstream schools, supported by "well-resourced attach-ed bases and advised by specialist professionals".

County councillor June Longmuir seems to have no doubt the policy will work.

She has told the council's cabinet: "We are not producing ghettos. This is a chance of making the best possible use of what the mainstream has to offer. It will give pupils much more choice and much more opportunity to learn how to get employment."

But anxious parents are concerned their children's development could take a backwards step and make them easy targets for bullies.

Those fears are made clear today by Worcester mum Sharon Jones.

"Children are spiteful to them now. How are they going to fit in?" she asks.

It's a good question and it provokes the thought that the right support must be in place to make sure children feel secure and that their needs are met.

Experts says inclusive education will mean better education. Fearful parents are desperately hoping they're right.