FAMILIES today welcomed a new plan for Stoke-on-Trent's special schools which will see them transformed into centres of excellence for youngsters with a range of special needs.

But the plans also include merging two schools, Middlehurst in Chell and Heathfield in Chell Heath, to help tackle a significant fall in pupil numbers.

The new combined school for children with learning difficulties would initially operate from the two existing sites, although it would eventually be brought on to the Middlehurst site.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's latest proposals have been drawn up months after a previous reorganisation of special schools had to be scrapped following a storm of protest.

Now the council wants to build on each school's existing strengths so they develop expertise in one key field.

The plans which will go out to consultation include:

Merging Middlehurst School, in Chell, and Heathfield School, in Chell Heath, to create a school specialising in a range of severe to moderate learning needs. The amalgamation could happen in September 2010, with Middlehurst's building extensively refurbished by 2013.

Refurbishing Abbey Hill School, in Bucknall, and turning it into the city's main school for children with communication and interaction problems, including autism.

Relocating Kemball School from Fenton to a new building in September 2012. The proposed site is by Blurton High. Kemball would specialise in supporting youngsters with profound, sensory or physical needs.

Refurbishing Aynsley School, in Blythe Bridge, and transforming it into a school specialising in educating pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties from September 2009. Aynsley would also have provision for older pupils who need high levels of support.

Creating a new base in Trent Vale which will offer flexible learning opportunities to 14 to 16-year-olds who have behavioural problems.

Barbara Baddeley, who lives in Baddeley Green, sends her 13-year-old son Jordan to Abbey Hill. Jordan has Asperger's Syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Mrs Baddeley today welcomed the council's commitment to keeping the school open. She said: "It's absolutely fantastic. What a relief."

Liz Spooner, pictured, headteacher of Kemball School, said: "We are really excited at the prospect of having a new building.

"Our current building is tired and doesn't really have the 21st century facilities we deserve."

Kemball would have access to specialist facilities for secondary pupils through the relocation.