IF you've had your eyes and ears open over the last week you will no doubt be aware of the revolutionary changes surrounding special educational needs.

Every week we hear of new initiatives designed to improve education across the ages and abilities.

There have been many occasions when teachers, parents and pupils have mocked the changes, such as vocational courses and learning a foreign language in primary school.

This has mostly been down to a simple lack of resources. But Worcestershire County Council has embraced the Government's plans for inclusion in schools.

That's not to say there weren't some folks worried about the implications it may have on children with special educational needs (SEN).

The council plans to close down Cliffey House School, in Hanley Castle, and teach SEN children in mainstream schools.

There will be units attached to these schools where they will get the support they need from keyworkers.

SEN teachers - specialists in the field - will liaise with the mainstream schools to devise lesson plans that mean SEN children can take part in mainstream lessons.

But these children are used to being in a close environment, numbers at special schools seem minuscule to mainstream schools where primary numbers are as high as 600 in the city.

The worry is that these children, who in the past have not been able to thrive in mainstream schools will once again regress.

Special schools offer careful support and encouragement, which enables children with these special educational needs to learn.

At a council meeting last week, where the cabinet approved the draft county policy for SEN, anxious parents heard a councillor reiterating their opinions.

Councillor Tom Wells had a point, which I agreed with.

He said that children in special schools were there for a reason, that they had been "let down" by mainstream schools.

He also said that parents had a right to be anxious about the closure of Cliffey House School, as it would have implications on the teaching of their children.

What we haven't heard is concern from parents of children at mainstream schools.

What do they think about children with moderate learning difficulties joining their son/daughters class?

There is bound to be fear and worry from both sides.

But rest assured that the council's education directorate will try to make the transition as smooth as possible.

It won't be easy, but it will enable children to be taught in an inclusive environment.

The chance to gain new friends, widen their spectrum of interests and get more from school is what awaits Worcestershire.

It's not a simple case of carry on as we are. The Government has said we must do this and do this we will.

Everyone might have misgivings about the new plans but I say we should have faith in the council.

They are passionate about SEN and will ensure inclusion works.