MORE support is set to be given to children with special educational needs at a string of schools across North Yorkshire.

Council bosses will decide later this month whether to provide a service known as “inreach” at 23 schools throughout the county, which is aimed at giving extra help to pupils with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties.

The proposals, which are to be discussed by North Yorkshire County Council’s executive, would lead to the chosen sites being designated as “enhanced mainstream schools”, offering additional support such as personalised learning plans, therapy, time-out areas and access to specialist staff to youngsters in need of it.

The earmarked schools include Kirkbymoorside, Thorpe Willoughby, Malton and Selby-based Barwic Parade Community Primary Schools, Easingwold School, Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering, Barlby High School and Holy Family Catholic High School in Carlton.

If approved, the designation would provide inreach services for up to 146 children, with the executive set to make a decision following a public consultation exercise carried out in the spring.

A report by Cynthia Welbourn, the county council’s corporate director for children and young people’s services, said: “Pupils in enhanced mainstream schools will access a full curriculum offer and be supported to take part in all aspects of school life, according to their individual capabilities.

“Each young person will have a personalised learning plan, with individual targets clearly linked to assessments to be reviewed on a termly basis.

“Pupils will have access to high-quality teaching from skilled staff, either in the school or provided by an external specialist.”

The report said £4.5 million was available in the council's current schools budget for the scheme and that additional places could be provided for conditions such as autism and Asperger syndrome. It said: “Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the number of special school places required.”