Civilised schools

By arguing that disabled children do not benefit from being educated in mainstream schools, Dame Mary Warnock has broached a sensitive subject. People still remember the old inhumane system in which disabled pupils were denied a chance to mix with other children. No one wishes to revert to that. But it is intolerable if pupils with special needs are neglected or bullied in regular schools. The statementing system needs to be reviewed and there must be a debate on where to strike a balance. Thankfully Dame Mary, who has done so much to civilise attitudes towards disabled children, is perfectly positioned to start it.