THREAT TO OUR SCHOOLS OF HOPE; Controversial Report Throws Education System for Disabled Children into Doubt

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Byline: JAMES GRYLLS

THE future of schools in Scotland which provide specialist education for disabled children has been thrown into doubt by a controversial Government report.

The schools, including some of the country's most famous and respected teaching establishments,

are widely regarded as national institutions.

They have been funded directly by the Exchequer for more than 50 years, guaranteeing their financial independence.

But the report, commissioned by the Government as part of its flagship 'social inclusion' policy, says the schools are not truly HOPE national and should therefore be funded by local authorities instead of …