PARENTS are set to have a say in the future of Lancashire's special needs schools.

Lancashire County Council's education chief will present his plans for special needs to the county council next week, and if they are passed a public consultation lasting until the summer will begin.

But the county council has been quick to assure families that there will be no closures.

County Councillor Alan Whittaker, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People said: "It is important to stress that this is still a consultation. Any decision to move ahead will not be made until the summer of 2003 and then there would be a need for further public discussion. This strategy is a long term one and it will probably be 2010 before a new system is fully in place."

Coun Whittaker said the proposals will help children be educated locally with their friends, and will modernise the special school sector. Plans will affect both the mainstream and special school sectors.

As part of the consultation, parents, children, school heads, governors and MPs will be made aware of the council's plans for special education.

Coun Whittaker will ask fellow cabinet members to approve his proposed 'Policy For Special Educational Needs Provision in Lancashire and associated Implementation Strategy' for consultation at County Hall on Thursday, November 7.