A PUBLIC consultation is being held about a proposed merger of two Thanet special schools - Laleham in Margate and Gap House at Broadstairs.

The link forms part of Kent County Council’s reorganisation of special schools aimed at giving better support to children with special educational needs.

The amalgamated school would support more able children with severe communication and interaction needs associated with autism and specific language impairment.

The school, that would operate on both sites, would also become one of three new centres of excellence in Kent, offering guidance and other professional support to mainstream schools to help pupils with specific language difficulties and disorders.

Staff from both schools are likely to keep their jobs and a headteachers and governors will discuss a staffing structure.

Leyland Ridings, KCC cabinet member for school organisation, said: “Wide discussions have already taken place with both schools but no final decision will be made until we have the views of the community.”

The outcome of the consultation will be reported to KCC on July 16, and the merger is unlikely to take place before September next year.