More disabled children are being educated in ordinary schools, according to the most recent statistics. A report by the Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education, based on Department for Education and Employment data, shows that between 1992 and 1996, 71 out of 107 English local authorities reduced the percentages of pupils placed in special schools. In 1996 the special school population declined to 88,849 or 1.4 per cent of all five to 15-year-olds, the lowest ever percentage for England. In the same year, 58.5 per cent of all children with statements were being educated in mainstream schools.
Times Educational Supplement, August 1, 1997

A new guide to help teachers cope with the everyday school needs of disabled children in mainstream has been launched by RADAR. Titled Children First, the guide offers help on planning an accessible curriculum, physical access of schools, valuing the contribution of parents, social needs of pupils, examination arrangements, and post-16 provision.
The Bath Chronicle, August 5, 1997.

A 12-year-old Nottingham girl with cerebral palsy has gone to County Hall to protest about being restricted from school classes. Maresa MacKeith, of Beechdale, was spending only about five lessons a week in mainstream classes last term. Her school, Colonel Frank Seely in Calverton, insisted it was gradually increasing her integration with other pupils in line with her abilities but that had not satisfied Maresa. Yesterday she met Nottingham Education Director, Rob Valentine, to demand more action. She was accompanied by other members of the national pressure group Young and Powerful which campaigns for the rights of disabled young people.
Nottingham Evening Post, August 29, 1997