SPECIAL schools in Hartlepool, which could see a drop in funding as pupils move to mainstream education, are being urged to help the children make the switch.

As part of Government strategy, Hartlepool Borough Council is hoping to move 100 children into mainstream education by 2003.

The moves coincide with the decision to close Thornhill Special School at the end of this academic year.

A report to the council's policy scrutiny forum said: "The continuing role that special schools will play and the expertise that they have to offer must continue to be recognised and valued.

"It should not be forgotten that they too can have an important role in including pupils in mainstream needs."

But the forum also recognised the negative impact the move could have on special schools, including falls in numbers leading to a funding drop.

A spokesman said: "In providing support for the placement of pupils in mainstream there should be no impact on teaching and care in special schools."

The forum has called for more funding for mainstream schools to ensure they can cope with new pupils. This includes money for specialist staff and equipment as well as alterations to buildings.

The spokesman said: "Pupils with mobility problems must be able to gain easy access to the same parts of the buildings as their peers and the necessary modification should be made.

"In order to allow a pupils to participate in all aspects of the curriculum, special equipment might be needed, for example, in the science lab. It is vital that these are in place and that resources are available to fund them."

Parents of pupils at Thornhill School have been opposing its closure. They say they fear their children will be bullied at mainstream schools, and have threatened to take them to special schools out of the area.