RADICAL plans to change the way Worcestershire children with special educational needs (SEN) are taught could spell the end for Cliffey House School in Hanley Castle.

A new policy has been drawn up by Worcestershire County Council (WCC) in response to Government guidelines for a more "inclusive" educational system.

It states that children with SEN should be taught in mainstream schools, supported by "well-resourced attached bases and advis- ed by specialist professionals".

Cliffey House, which had previously been scheduled to move from its present site, has now been earmarked for closure in July 2004 and its pupils dispersed into mainstream schools.

WCC Cabinet members voted to adopt the new policy in principle at a meeting on Thursday (June 6). It will now go out for consultation with parents, governors and school staff, before coming back before a councillors' vote.

"Inclusive education is about being part of the community, yet a child with special educational needs in Worcestershire is almost twice as likely to attend a special school and in any other part of the country," said Ruth Chiva, head of services to schools.

"We will support the challenge that this plan presents to schools through training and resources."

Cliffey House head Helen Maskew was unavailable for comment at time of going to press.