FUNDING could treble for special educational needs children in some mainstream primary schools under proposals by the county council.

A new system of 'bidding' for cash would replace the present system of 'statementing' children if changes by Lancashire County Council gets the go-ahead from schools after autumn.

The move hopes to give more cash to children who suffer from moderate learning difficulties, and get it to them faster by cutting out cumbersome paperwork. It does not affect all children with disabilities or children who already have statements.

The proposals were revealed at the Lancashire Schools Forum after a brainstorm by the funding formula sub-group and were today given a warm welcome from the National Association of Head Teachers and MPs.

At present, mainstream schools get money from the local education authority based on an amount per SEN pupil on the school roll, weighted to reflect the level of support required.

But the system is lengthy - it takes around six months - and relies on an official statement being given by an educational psychologist for each child. Instead, schools would by-pass the statementing route and 'bid' to the council direct for an amount they need.

David Fann, Lancashire's council member for the NAHT, said: "The system at present is very difficult and anything that makes the transfer of money easier is welcome. Primary heads and teachers will all say that statements arrive too late to make a difference to a child's career."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans added: "It's clearly good if more children with special needs enter mainstream education, but we must be sure that there is enough money made available to ensure that no pupil loses out."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "This is an interesting proposal but we obviously need to make sure that children with special needs get the best care possible."

Money saved from cutting paperwork could mean more money being made available to schools in the long term - in some cases by as much as double.

Education chiefs hope the new system would cut the number of children needing statements - bringing the authority in line with other authorities. At present there are 7,600 statemented children in Lancashire, a percentage of 3.5 per cent compared to the Government's recommendation of two per cent.