Mounting concern by parents of children with special educational needs has prompted Pembrokeshire County Council to review its special needs policy. The parents and the trade union, Unison, which represents care assistants in schools, have become increasingly concerned about a council decision to cut costs. They say they fear the cuts will force schools to cut care assistant hours or take on less qualified helpers. However, the Director of Education, Gerson Davies, said no children would be adversely affected. Extra money had been put into the special needs budget, although it would be distributed differently. The Council had identified six children whose needs would not be met by the new financial new arrangements and would draw on its reserves in order to support them.
Cardiff Western Mail, May 9, 1997

A Dartford primary school has admitted it did not include a child with Down’s Syndrome in its results for the national performance tables. St Anselm’s RC Primary school in Littlebrook Manorway, Temple Hill, Kent topped the list of Dartford schools in the recently published tables. But it left out statemented pupil Christopher Diedo’s Key Stage Two results. Christopher’s father brought the omission to the attention of the school which said it did not realise it had to publish his son’s results. A special errata slip will now have to be published to amend the results in the current tables. St Anselm’s now drops one point in the tables to share top place with Fawkham Primary School.
News Shopper Dartford and Swanley, May 14, 1997

Carole Udale claims a lack of funding is wrecking her disabled daughter’s opportunities in mainstream school. She says Claire, 12, has suffered a string of problems since starting at Whickham Comprehensive School in Gateshead. The pressure group Disability Action North East says little is done to address access to mainstream schools for disabled children, despite the recent Disability Discrimination Act.
Newcastle upon Tyne Evening Chronicle, May 12, 1997

Pete and Wendy Crane have lost their High Court battle for their son Niki, 14, to attend Tarleton High School. But despite the ruling by Mr Justice Popplewell they say he will never attend a special school. The family could face bankruptcy after the judge awarded costs against them. If enforced the bill could run up to £50,000. The case was being seen a bid to clarify the law with implications for other families.
Lancashire Evening Post, Preston, May 13, 1997

The argument between the Cranes and Lancashire County Council turned on key sections of the 1996 Education Act and the right of parents to choose the best school for their child. Mr. Justice Popplewell ruled that parental choice should be overridden on the grounds that the comprehensive school was ‘unsuitable’ for Niki, that the education of other children could be disrupted and that the expense of meeting his special needs there would not be cost effective.
The Guardian, May 13, 1997

Parents of a young man with autism who was taunted by a group of youths have called for more integration to try to save children from similar situations. Mark Taylor, 14, who attends New Croft High special school in Seedley, Salford was urged to jump out of a window by youths who were said to have no understanding of his disability.
Manchester Evening News, May 15, 1997

The new Labour Government announced a further £3.6 million funds under the Schools Access Initiative. Education Minister Estelle Morris explained: ‘The Government is committed to the principle that, to the greatest extent possible, children with special educational needs should be integrated with peers. Everyone should be entitled to an education which meets their needs and gives them the opportunity to succeed’.
Harrow Observer, May 29, 1997