Peter Howlett, of Portsmouth Cerebral Palsy Association, an ex-teacher, says that integration invariably works well if schools are enthusiastic about it and are given adequate resources. He was responding to comments from Hampshire Council that it’s a ‘fine judgment’ as to whether individual children could benefit from mainstream. According to Mr. Howlett, successful lobbying has meant it is now rare for children with Down’s Syndrome to go to a special school. But parents of children with other learning difficulties face a tougher struggle.
The Portsmouth News, February 1, 1996.

A report from Havering Council’s Education Committee which has been asked to make L20,000 savings in its special educational needs support service, says that children who have hearing impairments receive a higher level of support than those who are physically or visually impaired. According to the report it is proposed to seek a job-sharing or similar arrangement to reduce staff hours.
Romford Recorder, February 2, 1996.

Assertion training for disabled boys has gone down so well in Camden, London, that there are now proposals to extend the scheme and suggestions that it should also include pupils with learning difficulties. Participants who took part in sessions to build up confidence and self esteem said they wanted more time to explore issues such as health and sexuality and develop social skills for independent living. Topics already covered by the boys include attitudes to disability and bullying. The sessions which are run by a trained counsellor include group discussions, drama, and role-play.
Hampstead and Highgate Express, February 2, 1996.

The Special Educational Needs Tribunal has ruled in favour of 4-year-old Kirstie Elliott being educated at her local school, Morelands Primary. The tribunal found that Kirstie could greatly benefit from the role models around her, particularly in the area of language and speech.
The Portsmouth News, February 1, 1996.

A mother has won an injunction to prevent the closure of Enborne Lodge School for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in Newbury, Berkshire. The closure plan is part of Lambeth Council’s integration scheme for special needs children but Beverley Nicholson, whose 17-year-old son Aaron is taking a GCSE course at Enborne Lodge says he cannot be educated in mainstream schools. Ms. Nicholson is now seeking a judicial review at the High Court.
South London Press, February 6, 1996.

Pauline and Stephen Robertson say that their daughter, Katy, who has severe learning difficulties, is happy at mainstream school, her sister is proud to have her there and their family life is as near normal as it can be with a child with special needs. According to the couple who live in Heatherside, Surrey: ‘Katy is in a reception class of 31, with a full-time non-teaching assistant, as well as her teacher. It’s very early days yet but there haven’t been any major problems so far. We don’t know what the future will bring but that could be said for our other two children too’.
Daily Mail, February 7,1996.

Education authorities are having to spend thousands of pounds sending autistic children to America because there are so few suitable places in Britain. It is estimated that in London there are three autistic children in need of provision for every one place. A dozen British children are now being sent to school in Boston where the Higashi Institute provides successful therapy.
The Standard, London, February 8, 1996.

Garfield School, New Southgate, London, complains that although it wants to accept youngsters with special needs, it does not have enough resources for them and it is worried that other children will suffer. An Enfield Council spokesman said it was trying to help Garfield but faced a problem filling vacancies for educational psychologists.
Enfield, Palmers Green, Southgate and Edmonton Gazette, February 9, 1996.

Work is underway to make Lancastrian Junior School in Haringey, London, suitable for children with severe disabilities. Education chair Cllr Philip Jones said: ‘I feel sure all the children will be enriched by the experience’.
Hornsey and Muswell Hill Journal, February 15, 1996.

Claire Udale, 10, and her mother Carol, present a petition to Gateshead Council calling for wheelchair access to Whickham Comprehensive School. Clare has been in mainstream education since she was 3 years old but now faces the prospect of going to a special school because there is no suitable secondary school for her. Claire says: ‘I feel a bit let down because they are taking away my independence’. Gateshead Council had hoped to improve access at Whickham Comprehensive with a GBP1 million plus plan including new lifts, fire escape routes, and toilets, but claims government underfunding has left it short of money. A Council deputation is due to meet with officials at the Department of Education in London to explain the situation.
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Evening Chronicle, February 21, 1996.

The public services union, Unison, fears that cuts in the pay of non-teaching staff caring for special needs children could lead to a poorer service. Bromley Council plans to introduce new rates of pay which replace a flat rate of GBP9.50 with rates according to a child’s needs. Under the plan the rate for supporting a child with minimal needs will be GBP5.40 an hour and the rate for supporting a child with moderate needs will be GBP6.83. The Council says it faces a substantial rise in the budget for non-teaching staff because of the increase in children needing support.
Beckenham and Penge News Shopper, February 26, 1996.

Special support assistant, Lynne Charlton, is at the centre of a team of health and education professionals who are helping 8-year-old Patricia Purvis learn alongside her mainstream peers. Various aids and equipments have been designed to help Patricia, who is severely physically disabled. Lynne Charlton says she expects to stay with Patricia throughout her school career. ‘I am being re-educated and I have told Patricia I may be taking GCSEs alongside her before I retire.’
Therapy Weekly, February 29, 1996.