A Government decision to make special needs units in schools optional is facing legal action.

The decision makes way for schools to choose whether or not to keep special units open.

An Auckland meeting of about 20 parents and teachers, organised by Quality Public Education Coalition [QPEC], an educational lobby group, has decided to seek a High Court review of the Government policy.

QPEC believes the Government policy has breached the Education Act.

Inspite of extra $1 billion spend up announced by Education Minister Nick Smith last week, which would be drip fed over three years, QPEC states most schools will struggle to maintain their special units. Due to tight budgeting. schools will decide to place special needs students within the mainstream classrooms.

QPEC says this will neither benefit the special needs children nor those in the mainstream classrooms.

Ministry of Education will not comment on the legal action.

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