North Yorkshire County Councillors have voted against the possible closure of Welburn Hall Special School and instructed officers to market the school better and seek ways to develop its role. The decision is being hailed a victory by parents, staff and governors who mounted a letter-writing and lobbying campaign to save the school. The school’s future was put in doubt because of falling pupil numbers. Council officers said the school roll had dropped to 38 because parents were opting for their children to go to mainstream schools.
Scarborough Evening News and Mercury, February 12, 1997

Gordon and Patricia Spendiff have had their appeal against a decision to send their daughter to a special school heard in the High Court. The family decided to take their fight to the High Court after a special educational needs tribunal agreed with North Tyneside Council’s decision that Joanne, 13, should leave mainstream education after being there for nine years. An independent psychologist backed the family’s case, saying a forced move to special school would harm Joanne. The family’s solicitor, Mr Jack Rabinowicz, said: ‘We are not trying to change the system – we are trying to aid the process. I believe it is the first time this particular tribunal decision has been challenged in the High Court’.
Newcastle Upon Tyne Journal, February 14, 1997

Jade McBride and Leigh James are the first pupils with visual impairment to attend Pencoed Comprehensive School near Bridgend. They are able to join in lessons with the help of large print worksheets and closed circuit television to enlarge maps and diagrams. Talking weighing scales, special computer software and extra help in science and technology lessons means the girls do not miss out on anything.
South Wales Echo, February 14, 1997

David and Denise Walker have set up the Sam Walker Fund to raise money for a classroom assistant for their six-year-old son. The couple have the backing of staff, parents and pupils at St Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic School at Hartford but Cheshire Education Authority have refused to fund mainstream support for Sam and want him to go to a special school. St. Wilfrid’s head teacher Peter Barratt said he was disappointed with the educational authority’s decision . ‘I am delighted to have Sam here. He is progressing well and the rest of the children have accepted him without any difficulty whatsoever. They see him as one of the class, and are very supportive and helpful. If his needs are being satisfied here, as they are, why does he need to go to a special school?’
Northwich Chronicle , February 26. 1997