PARENTS were today assured no child in special needs education would be forced into a mainstream school against their parents' wishes.

County education boss Alan Whittaker made the promise as he announced a massive review of the the county's provision following the adoption of a new Special Educational Needs policy.

The review will be staggered over three stages and will look at what needs to be done to mainstream schools to help accommodate youngsters with special needs, what special school provision is needed in each district and what form it should take.

The change has been prompted by a Government drive to include more special needs youngsters in mainstream education.

Burnley and Pendle will be among the first districts to be reviewed, with details finalised by 2004. Reviews in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley will be completed in August 2005, while Rossendale will be completed by August 2006.

Presenting the report to Lancashire County Council's cabinet yesterday, Coun Whittaker said it could take up until 2010 before the changes are complete.

He said: "This has been a massive consultation exercise and the next step to see how we implement it. We want to make education as inclusive as possible which will mean change, but I envisage ultimately having as many schools as before.

"This has to be done sensitively. We have to look at how mainstream schools can accommodate youngsters with special needs.

"The type of provision available for youngsters with special needs varies from district to district and we want to ensure every child has access to the same services."

Responding to concern that some parents fear their youngsters would be bullied in mainstream schools, Coun Whittaker said: "No child in special needs education will be forced into mainstream schooling, but we don't want to deny parents the chance for their child to be educated in mainstream schools."

Some special schools could be re-located on to sites next to existing schools. Some will help children with emotional difficulties, while others will focus on learning difficulties. Schools will also be split into various key stages, seen at regular primary and secondary schools.

It is hoped that by giving mainstream schools extra money to help support special needs will lead to youngsters not travelling so far to school.

Social services boss Chris Cheetham said: "This project will promote inclusion and show that these youngsters are part of the community, not just an add on. Many travel out of their community for schooling and feel isolated. This can lead to more problems in later life."

Coun Whittaker insisted no decision about what would happen to individual schools had been taken.