Public spending cuts and the poor performance of pupils has prompted a major review into special educational needs (SEN) in Cornwall.

Heads and teachers are now being consulted on a new approach, which aims to create more specialist provision in mainstream schools.

Cornwall Council officials are seeking better value for money because of the expected “tightening financial framework”.

They want to create local teams working in children’s centres and schools to spot the early signs of special needs.

More children with SEN in Cornwall attend mainstream schools than in other parts of the country. Just 0.6 per cent of the pupil population is educated in special schools, compared with 1 per cent in the South West region and 1.29 per cent nationally.

In future there will be more specialist services in schools for pupils with special needs. KM.