Professor Sue Buckley:

It is probable that approximately 15% of youngsters with Down's syndrome will have acquired extra brain damage and have profound and multiple disability. For some of those children I agree that such schools may be the more appropriate place. However, I have a vision where we do not do that and where specialised units within mainstream community schools could provide whatever resources are needed. I do not want children segregated and put on a bus, and that is a much bigger issue. At the moment, many people, I suspect, choose a special school because they just do not think their child will be adequately supported; not because they would prefer it but rather they see that is where the child will be happy and safe.