A special unit in a Witham school for children with behavioural problems - the only one of its kind in Essex - is facing an uncertain future, it has been revealed. The unit, housed within Templars Junior school, teaches pupils with problems from across a wide swathe of mid Essex - but Essex Education Authority is now reviewing its future, in line with government policy to integrate pupils into "mainstream education".

Cash to run the unit is safe until August 2001, but is reviewed by Essex County Council every two years.

"This means that we cannot offer teachers in the unit more than two year contracts, and that the future of the unit is always vulnerable," explained Templars Junior School headteacher, Mr Julian Johnson.

"The unit has been operating for 19 years and we have had this problem for a long time. We know funding is secure until 2001, and after that may be extended, but of course there are no guarantees," he said.

"We know that Essex education authority are examining the ongoing future of the school as there is a growing move to integrate pupils with such problems into schools in their own location, back into mainstream education.

"Of course, this raises the question of whether local schools will be able or willing to accommodate their needs," said Mr Johnson.

Now the future of the unit is again under review.

"Essex County Council is looking at ways of developing primary schools throughout the county, and in terms of pupil behavioural units, this is the only one in the county operating within a primary school," explained a spokesman for the council this week.

"We are committed to the future of the unit until August 2001 and the situation is under review with regard to its longer term future.

"While the unit remains unique in the county, its role will obviously be examined. The review is an ongoing process," he said.

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