Head teachers defend role of special schools

Wednesday, 6 August 2003 12:00 AM

Head Teachers have warned that the expertise contained within special needs schools must not be lost as pupils are integrated into mainstream education.

The National Association of Head Teachers says that although inclusive schooling is essential, inclusion does not mean that all children should be placed in main-stream schools and a minority benefit from special schooling.

The union suggests that special needs schools must be seen as part of the move towards greater inclusion and not separate from it and that they have a vital and continuing role to play.

The Government has been moving towards encouraging more special needs pupils to be taught in mainstream schools in an attempt to make them feel less isolated and better socially-equipped for life beyond school.

However both teachers and parents have protested against the closure of special needs schools. They have argued that specialist care can give their children a greater sense of security.

The National Association of Head Teachers said it, 'is determined to see the debate move on from whether or not special schools will continue to exist, to recognising the enormous potential of such schools and the people working within them.'

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