yesterday as it closed its doors after 32 years.

The "special needs'' children at Friendship Vale in Devonshire will now attend mainstream schools and learn along with other kids. The move is in line with current Government thinking. But it means the end of the school and a new challenge for 12 youngsters with learning difficulties.

The children, ranging from two-year-old Glendon Blakeney to 17-year-old Donica Romaine, were stars of a final awards ceremony at the school last night.

"I'm sure there are lots of mixed feelings,'' Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Marion Robinson told the gathering.

She acknowledged parents were worried about teasing following the move. But she was pleased they recognised the responsibility to foster their children's self-esteem.

At one time Government did not accept responsibility for educating all special needs children, she said, and they were kept out of sight. Then schools like Friendship Vale opened.

Now Government was trying to integrate such children into the community. They would benefit from contact with their peers and other children would learn from the experience too.

Friendship Vale principal Mrs. Karen Simons-Williams said the children felt "lovely'' about the move.

She will oversee the children and work with their new schools. And Friendship Vale teachers will be moving with the youngsters to help them cope.

Schools taking Friendship Vale children are Elliott Primary, Prospect Primary, Dellwood Primary and Northlands Secondary.

The Friendship building will re-open as a pre-school in September.

SPECIAL FAREWELL -- Students and teachers from Friendship Vale gather at the school for the last time at a closing ceremony last night.