A major reform of schools for children with special needs was launched by Education Minister Dolores Cristina today after a six-month consultation process.

She said that the schools would now be integrated in the colleges system and become known as resources centres.

The minister explained that whereas the schools were currently divided according to disabilities - and there was therefore a mix in the age of the students, the schools would in the near future assume a different function. One school would be a primary level resources centre, another would be secondary, one would be post-secondary for students with severe disabilities and another would focus on preparing students for work and better integration in society.

"The emphasis all along will be on helping these students integrate in society," Mrs Cristina said.

He said that more training would be provided for teachers.

The new resources centres would also be used regularly by students with special needs who attend mainstream schools.

There are currently 198 students in the schools for students with special needs.