A SHAKE-UP of classroom support to children with special needs will have winners and losers, says a parents' group.

Primary school pupils with behavioural problems, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, receive individual attention in the classroom from qualified support teachers.

As of September, the number of hours of support currently available to primary pupils will be reduced by up to two thirds as special funding for schools with high levels of classroom support is significantly cut.

Under the current system, all support stops at the age of 11. As of September, children entering secondary school will see their support continue.

The changes are aimed at correcting an imbalance inherited from Cheshire County Council.

Director of Education Malcolm Roxborough said an extra £150,000 had been invested to ensure children are entitled to classroom support throughout their school years. But he admitted this would mean cuts in support to children who currently receive a high level of attention at primary school.

Anna Davies, of ADD/ADHD Warrington Support Group, welcomed the investment in secondary school support but said the changes would inevitably leave some parents fuming. "This is going to upset a lot of people who have fought very hard for the support they now have," she said.

"It is right to give secondary pupils more support but a primary school child who receives 13 hours a week now does so because he needs those 13 hours - there's no way you can justify reducing it to four in September."

But Mr Roxborough said children who were already receiving support would not face dramatic cuts. Support would be reduced gradually through careful monitoring of individual children's needs. The review would result in a more equitable system, he said.

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