Schools minister Lord Adonis said the guidance "makes good" theGovernment's pledge that councils cannot close special schools unlessthey can prove that it will result in better provision.
But Conservatives are angered that parents have been shut out of theconsultation. Shadow education secretary David Willetts said: "Finally,the Government has published a consultation on supporting children withspecial educational needs. But, unbelievably, they are leaving theparents out. Only local authorities and a few select groups will be ableto comment. Parents will once again be presented with a faitaccompli."
But Brian Lamb, chair of the Special Educational Consortium, said: "Wewould go to our parent organisations and ensure that what we were sayingis informed by parents' views."
