The Gazette revealed earlier this week that Bamburgh School in Norham Avenue, South Shields, which opened in September 2006, could now face closure along with four other of the borough's six special educational needs (SEN) units.

Under the plans a new 120-place primary special school would replace the existing Bamburgh School, and a generic 135-place secondary special school would be co-located on the Hebburn Comprehensive School site by 2012 at the earliest.

The council said parents had been part of 'close talks', and that the new proposals are a result of their views expressed during discussions.

But according to Bamburgh parents, no such talks have ever taken place, and they first they learned about the shake-up in special education was in Wednesday's Gazette.

Coun Jim Foreman, lead member for children and young people, today apologised to the parents for the misunderstanding and assured all involved in special schools they will be consulted on the proposals.

He said: "The review process has been going on for some time – since summer term 2006.

"Some consultations were held with parents, although this did not include Bamburgh parents, because Bamburgh was not part of the proposals at that time.

"The outcome of these discussions helped to inform current thinking, and, if approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, the consultation planned to begin in June, continuing into the autumn term, will give all parents of children in special schools a chance to have their say."

Bamburgh parents are now planning to launch a petition which will be submitted to next week's East Shields community area forum.

Ian Callender, from Cheviot Road, Horsley Hill, whose son Jonathan, 13, has been at the school since he was seven, said: "There was no such consultation, none of us have been asked our opinions.

"The first we heard was on Wednesday after reading the Gazette and seeing the bills outside the newsagents.

"Many of the children are now upset, which is great timing considering a lot of them are doing their Sats exams this week.

"What a coincidence all this has emerged just after the local elections took place."

After the Gazette broke the news, staff at the school had to race against the school bell to create a letter for pupils to give to their parents explaining the issues.

Headteacher Lynn McKellar told parents 'not to be alarmed' by the news.

In the letter she wrote: "Council officers have now drawn up some ideas for changes which they would like to discus with parents and carers.