PEOPLE generally seem to believe that special schools are about to disappear from Worcestershire. Nothing could be further from the truth, says Councillor Russ Clayton.

This had been reiterated many times throughout the past eight months or so, but it seemed somehow more reassuring to the scores of parents on this occasion - a full council meeting at County Hall, on Thursday, June 24.

It could have been because of the setting. After all, Worcestershire County Council is meant to represent and act in the interest of the public, who were out in force.

It may have been because it came from a councillor, rather than director of education Julien Kramer, or one of his officers, who drafted the controversial special educational needs (SEN) review document.

More likely however, is that after months of campaigning, parents saw a glimmer of hope after the announcement that Alexander Patterson School will not close this summer.

In March the county council's cabinet published a notice of closure "in the light of drastically falling roll numbers" at the Wolverley special school, near Kidderminster.

A week ago the Schools Organisational Committee could not unanimously uphold the council's decision, meaning an independent adjudicator will examine the issue.

The whole process will take months and, if a judicial review is required, possible more than a year. The school will remain open throughout.

Parents are thrilled the democratic process has seemingly worked and the school will be open in September, while campaigners hope to stave off other closures in a similar way.

So what is the position of Worcestershire's special educational needs review?

After an extensive consultation period, including meetings at every special school affected, education officers have listened to the public and attempted to address concerns.

They have not only agreed to keep the Thornton House Nursery Unit, but also calmed fears by emphasising "public acceptability" is crucial to the process.

The Worcester special schools - Thornton House, Manor Park and Rose Hill - have responded by agreeing to the idea of a primary/secondary split and two generic schools.

In short, both sides have listened and made significant concessions.

Speaking to the council on Thursday, cabinet member for education June Longmuir was delighted with the process to date, and explained her vision for the future.

"We are trying to remove barriers to learn, raise expectations and increase educational partnerships," she said.

"But we must build confidence of parents by providing facilities before they are asked to make decisions.

"This council will retain SEN provision as a support item for the schools as long as it is required."

The review is based around putting more children with moderate learning difficulties into mainstream schools.

This would cut the number of Worcestershire's 13 special schools, making the remainder single-phase and "generic" - primaries or secondaries that deal with a range of complex SEN.

A number of options are being considered, which include closing Manor Park School, in Worcester, as well as Rigby Hall, in Bromsgrove, and Alexander Patterson School.

Two years ago it was agreed that Cliffey House School, in Hanley Castle, would close in August 2004.

Coun Clayton outlined the complexity of the issues.

"The initial impetus arises from the demands of parents that their children shouldn't be stigmatised but should be educated in a mainstream school," he said. "And the numbers of SEN pupils are decreasing.

"Conversely, of course, children whose needs can best be met in SEN schools will still be allowed to attend."

However, others had serious reservations about the plans.

"There is very little evidence of budgetary commitment," said Coun Diane Thomas.

"Is it in the interest of the children? Parents know their children best therefore parental preference is paramount.

"What about the teachers' expertise? Will it be retained and utilised?

"Will mainstream teachers receive the training they need to make a success of inclusion?

"I really don't consider that these plans have been fully thought through. There is a complete lack of evidence of strategic planning."

The debate moves to the cabinet on Thursday, July 15, with the promise that the LEA is still "in listening mode".

Concessions have been made on both sides and the democratic process has been in full swing. Whatever the outcome, it will be the right one for Worcestershire.