THE first steps have been taken to close three residential special schools.

Stockton Borough Council's cabinet has agreed to a controversial proposal to close Westlands residential school, in Eltham Crescent, Thornaby, and Bishopsmills and Saltergill special schools.

The proposal is to replace the three schools with a middle school, for eight to 14-year-olds, and an upper school, for 15 and 16-year-olds, with other children integrated into mainstream education.

Originally, the changes were to have been implemented by September, but the cabinet has delayed the move until next January.

Parents, pupils and some teachers at Westlands school have demonstrated against the plan, claiming it would penalise their school, which has received good Ofsted reports, and was recommenced for Beacon Status.

They have also expressed concern at children been split into age groups to be taught rather than by their individual needs.

Following the cabinet recommendation, the proposal will go before the full council.

If it agrees with the closures, there will be two months of consultation before the final recommendation is sent to the school organisation committee.

It is this independent body which will make the final decision on the future of the schools