The mother of a boy who has Down’s Syndrome is ready to go to prison rather than send him to a special school for children with disabilities. Gail McKibben of Belfast made her stand yesterday outside a city Magistrates’ Court after the adjournment of a summons for not sending her son David, 13, to Torbank Special School. She said: ‘I am not refusing to send my son to school but I am refusing to send him to a segregated school for children with disabilities’.
Irish Independent, Dublin, January 7, 1998.

A Sunderland couple today vowed to go to court in a battle to get their 12-year-old son, Scott, into Barbara Priestman Special School. Jill and Derek Phipps say they are prepared to be prosecuted by the local education authority to defend Scott’s right to attend the school which they believe can best meet his needs. Sunderland LEA want him to go to a mainstream school but according to the Phipps Scott has already attended a mainstream primary where his needs could not be met. They claim the education authority is ‘obsessed with inclusive education’.
Sunderland Echo, January 7, 1998.

Education in Eastbourne is bracing itself for a revolution. By the turn of the century the wheels of change will be in motion setting the standard for the millennium. East Sussex County Council is the local education authority in charge of enforcing Government policy. Forecasting a change in the law, council chiefs have adopted new rules to bring disabled and able-bodied children together in the classroom.
Eastbourne Herald, January 16, 1998.

A disabled pupil could soon be back in lessons after pressure from teachers and parents to provide facilities for her. 12-year-old Emma from Northchapel was told she could not go to Herbert Shiner School because it could not cater for a child who uses a wheelchair. However, moves are now being made to install ramps and make arrangements for lessons to be taken to Emma in classrooms which are accessible to her.
Midhurst and Petworth Observer, January 22, 1998.

Worried parents were due to meet county education chiefs at Selworthy School in Taunton last night to discuss controversial closure plans. The closure of the school is an option being considered as part of Somerset County Council’s review of its eight special schools. Under the proposals the 66 pupils will be integrated into schools nearer their homes or moved to two purpose built specialist centres at a primary and secondary school in Taunton. The Council says the moves will improve the quality of education but parents say their children are already receiving the best education.
Somerset County Gazette,January 30, 1998.