TWO Totton schools that cater for more than 100 special needs pupils will close under plans put forward by education chiefs.

Hampshire County Council's ruling Cabinet has approved proposals to axe the Salterns and Forest Edge schools in two years' time.

A new school for children as young as two will open on the Forest Edge site in September 2009.

Older pupils will initially be educated in the Salterns building, which will be retained until extra facilities can be provided at Oak Lodge Special School in Dibden Purlieu.

Salterns head teacher Nicky Dando said: "These are exciting proposals that will benefit all the children in the long run."

David Harrison, a Totton county councillor and former chairman of the town council, is also supporting the scheme.

He said: "Salterns is generally recognised as a very important part of the community and much loved but times move on. The original school building is old and hardly fit for purpose.

"I shall support closure, providing that the opportunities for the special category of children involved are improved."

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis said: "I'm pleased to support a scheme that will improve the educational facilities for our young people.

"Also, I'm happy to hear that these plans have the support of teachers, parents and governors."

Salterns provides 45 places for pupils aged 2-19 years with severe learning difficulties.

Forest Edge has 60 places for primary age pupils with moderate learning problems and/or autistic spectrum disorder, while Oak Lodge offers 120 places for secondary age pupils with the same conditions.

A county council spokeswoman said the shake-up would not result in any reduction in the number of special school places in the Forest.

She added: "The plans would see three special schools reorganised into two new schools - a primary in Totton and a secondary in Dibden Purlieu.

"Pupils would benefit from improved accommodation and facilities."