Special nurture groups to close

Special nurture groups in Island schools which help children who need of extra support are to be dismantled.

Stand-alone, teacher-led nurture groups are currently operating in six primary schools and three secondaries.

They've offered youngsters with emotional difficulties a 'bridge' between family life and the classroom to help them make the most of their time at school.

The Department of Education says the special needs budget is not being cut - but in future, nurturing will be offered as part of a whole-school approach.

Eleven posts will be affected by the change which was outliend to staff involved in running the groups this afternoon.

It's unclear if any teaching jobs will be lost as a result.

Chief executive at the department Stuart Dobson:-