A CONSULTATION process has been launched over proposals to close special schools in South Tyneside.
Under the proposals, a new primary and secondary school could replace five of the borough's special schools.
Yesterday, members of the council's Cabinet agreed to launch a period of public consultation.
Schools shake-up...more newsSchools shake-up moves a step closerNursery school closure plan ditchedSchool closure plans at a glanceBut Coun Iain Malcolm, the leader of South Tyneside Council, pledged that the proposals were "not set in stone", and said all interested parties would be fully involved in the consultation process.
If the plans get the go-ahead, five of the borough's six special schools – Bamburgh, Margaret Sutton, Epinay, Oakleigh Gardens and Greenfields Schools – could close, with two new schools opening in their place.
The move comes as statistics show South Tyneside has far more children in special education than the national average.
Coun Malcolm added: "There are far too many of our children educated in special education. We are one of the least inclusive authorities, and that has to change."
The full article contains 186 words and appears in Shields Gazette newspaper.
