Thanks Traveller.

Meow - I don't have anything like an us and them attitude. I don't think for a second I have suggested these children shouldn't be in a mainstream school. What I said was how fantastic it is that they are, that their particular needs are being met and that they seemed to be thriving. As for being grateful my children are healthy - of course I am. Who wouldn't be. Your suggestion that its distasteful to say such a thing is a bit like me saying how grateful if am that I'm pregnant now with a baby who has the odds well and truly on her side of making it after telling you that I've had seven losses. If you read my post again you will also see that one of my children is borderline special needs. So trust me when I tell you that I KNOW its not all "sunshine and rainbows". My DD could well be one of those children that ends up being bullied for her differences. I also spent 12 years of my life working with disabled kids on a volunteer basis and it makes me furious how many things they can't do simply because of funding - nothing to do with their capabilities.

Alibaby - that is fantastic to hear that the kids are so supportive but unfortunately I'm not surprised to hear you say that there wasn't enough funding for full time support.

Sunny - that is what I can see happening with these kids too. Its a no win situation - I think the mainstreaming is fantastic if that's what their parents/carers believe is in their best interests but it must be heartbreaking for them if they are then removed from the school in later years due to educational requirements, resources etc.