A SUCCESSFUL teacher training programme has received a further allocation of places after the schools minister intervened.

North Worcestershire Special Schools is a scheme training teachers in special education needs.

Teachers from Pitcheroak, Rigby Hall and Wyre Forest are involved in the programme, which is based at Chadsgrove School in Meadow Road.

The primary teacher training course has been developed with representatives from University of Birmingham, running successfully with five students on the current programme.

The course is designed to train its students so they can teach in both mainstream schools and special schools, equipping the trainee teachers with the skills necessary to meet the ever increasing complexity of needs that children can present.

With the help of Redditch MP Karen Lumley, a meeting was arranged with Schools Minister David Laws in February.

Deb Rattley, Chadsgrove School headteacher and Sheila Holden, Pitcheroak headteacher, attended the meeting that gave them the opportunity to share their concerns about the reduction in places to the specialised programme for next year.

The MP expressed her concern at a lack of specialist teachers for children with Special Educational needs and limited training available to teachers.

The Minister acted upon the concerns with the recent further allocation of places for the programme.

Ms Rattley, Chadsgrove school's headteacher, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the news that that we are to receive a further allocation of places.

"We would like to express our sincere thanks to MP Karen Lumley and Schools Minister David Laws for meeting with us and providing a platform for us to share our passion to get the very best education for children with special educational needs."