PARENTS will have the opportunity to comment on Greenwich Council's controversial plans for special needs education.

The council has proposed establishing designated special provision (DSP) centres in three mainstream secondary schools to open from next September.

The schools nominated for the DSP centres are Crown Woods, Plumstead Manor and St Paul's RC school.

But some parents of children from Churchfield special school in Abbey Wood refuse to accept the new scheme because it will mean the phased closure of the school.

Greenwich has already committed to a £21m investment programme in education across the borough.

The three schools involved in the new centres will change their admission arrangements to reserve a number of places each year for children with moderate learning difficulties who need the new centres.

Executive council member for lifelong learning Councillor Peter Kotz said: "The council is committed to promoting the social and educational inclusion of all young people, including those with special needs.

"Extra resources will be targeted at each school so that they give young people as much access as possible to the curriculum."

The consultation document is available on the council website at www.greenwich.gov.uk or by calling 020 8921 8004.

The deadline for comments is November 30.

November 13, 2001 11:56