PARENTS are set to launch a campaign to save a special school threatened by closure.

Green Hall Primary School in Atherton, which only last week received a glowing Ofsted report from Government inspectors, could be closed if Wigan Council approves plans to move the 76 pupils to mainstream schools. Education bosses said they planned to consult parents before making a final decision.

Sue Bennetto, a parent governor at Green Hall, said: "It would be devastating for parents, staff and pupils if the school closes. The children would find it hard to cope in a mainstream school. I think they would find it difficult to adjust and wouldn't receive the kind of support they need.

"The children are getting a first class education at Green Hall. The Ofsted inspector said he has never been to a school which has received so much praise from parents. I've got the backing of the parents, and they are ready to fight to keep this school open."

Janette Gilbourne, Wigan's assistant director of education and head of special needs education, said: "We've just started an informal consultation process, which will look at all the special schools in the Wigan area.

"We will be talking to parents and staff at a series of evening meetings, where they will have their chance to voice their concerns. These views will help to form a report which will then go back to the Cabinet. Members will vote on what action to take in May."

The school caters for pupils aged four to 11 with moderate learning difficulties, and has won a School's Curriculum Award.