National Union of Teachers’ president, Carole Regan, has praised work in Shropshire to help children with hearing impairment. Ms Regan went to Meole Brace School in Shrewsbury and Cockshutt Village School near Ellesmere to look at the work of the Hearing Impaired Service. It is Shropshire Education Authority’s policy to integrate children with hearing impairment into mainstream schools where possible.
Shropshire Star, March 5, 1997

Six year-old Jamie Brown, who has Down’s Syndrome, won his case against Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council. The Special Educational Needs Tribunal ruled that the Council should provide a full-time special needs assistant at Sandringham Primary School, rather than sending Jamie to a special needs school.
Local Government Chronicle, March 7, 1997 .

Parents fighting for the right to educate their daughter at the school of their choice last night pledged to keep up their battle despite a defeat in the courts. Patricia and Gordon Spendiff, of Murray Road, Wallsend, said they would stand by 13-year-old Joanne’s wishes to stay with her friends and would not send her to a special school. They will continue to teach her at home while they consider their next legal move. At the High Court in London, Mr Justice Hidden ruled that Joanne would be better served by attending a special school. He said North Tyneside Education Authority was under no obligation to integrate Joanne into mainstream schooling.
Newcastle Upon Tyne Journal, March 15, 1997 .

Anxious parents of a disabled six-year-old say she is missing out on vital physiotherapy and help with her speech. Kerry and Neil Burrows say they are pleased that Samantha, who has cerebral palsy, attends an ordinary school but feel the health service is not making adequate provision for her in the mainstream. Newham education chiefs met last week with Newham Community Health Service’s Trust to see what could be done.
Docklands Recorder, March 19, 1997

Labour has promised to cut red-tape for parents who are seeking help in mainstream schools for children with special needs. Shadow Education Minister, Peter Kilfoyle, promised baseline assessment to identify needs early, followed by targeted intervention from parent and health and social services.
Newcastle upon Tyne Journal, March 19, 1997

A five-year-old blind boy has inspired many of the 11 and 12 year olds at his school to learn Braille. Charles Coyle, a popular member of St Joseph’s RC School in Dobbin Close, Harrow, is the first blind pupil in the area to attend a mainstream school. Thirty children agreed to learn Braille and have earned certificates for their national achievement folders. Headmaster Anthony Elfer said the entire school had gained from the experience of having Charles there.
Harrow Observer, March 27, 1997