SPECIAL needs teachers in York could lose their jobs as a result of budget cutbacks.

The Evening Press can reveal that four teachers who advise schools across the city on how to look after youngsters with special needs could lose their jobs due to a lack of funding.

City of York Council's children's services chief Carol Runciman, who warned there could be around 20 job losses across the department, said she regretted having to put forward the proposals but they were "unavoidable."

She said continued restrictions in Whitehall funding had forced cuts totalling £1 million in the budget for learning, culture and children's services, and six jobs could also go in central administration at the council.

In addition, one of York's two remaining children's homes is planned for closure with the possible loss of 14 jobs - although the council will be looking to redeploy some of these posts in the home that remains open.

The Evening Press reported last month that about 34 people who work at the homes in Bismarck Street, off Leeman Road, and Wenlock Terrace, off Fulford Road, have been told of City of York Council's proposals to close one of them.

The homes cater for 12 youngsters, and currently there are nine on the books, with three youngsters at the Bismarck Street home.

The four teachers in the firing line also work out the rest of their timetable as classroom teachers, and it is as yet unknown whether the loss of their special needs posts will affect their other jobs.

If the cutbacks go ahead, support for teachers working with special needs pupils would then be met by council officials.

The council's finance chief, Simon Wiles, said last week at least 100 council jobs would have to go after the Whitehall grant of £36 million fell short of the council's expectations.

Coun Runciman said: "I very much regret the loss of any jobs in children's

services. However this year they are unavoidable.

"It will be a real challenge to the department to continue to deliver the high standard of service delivery, and yet face up to the job losses."

Barbara Reagan, division secretary for the National Union of Teachers (NUT) in York, said the union was working with the council to try and find a way round the problem.

She said: "The four women provide a very valuable service. It's not something we're willing to let happen if there's any way around it.

"It's not York council's fault - it's a decision they've had to make because of Government funding. York is under-funded compared with other local authorities."

Galloway in cash appeal

COUNCIL bosses are making a last ditch plea to the Government to try to secure more funding.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway is writing to local government minister Phil Woolas to put York's case to secure a further £1.25 million in addition to the £36 million currently on offer.

Coun Galloway said: "We are still awaiting confirmation of central government grant for next year. If the full £1.25 million the government are withholding from the city is released, then some of the proposed cuts that are being discussed at EMAP meetings may not be necessary."

Updated: 10:14 Tuesday, January 10, 2006