The Down's Syndrome Association is calling on local education authorities to give parents of affected children the option of a place in a mainstream school, rather than a specialist institution.

The call follows a survey of the association's members, which revealed that many parents faced opposition when they sought to place their children in mainstream schools.

Children with special needs can be challenged more in some mainstream schools

The Down's Syndrome Association says it is "concerned that many parents are opting for special schools without having been offered the support needed for inclusion in a mainstream school, denying them the chance to make a real and informed choice".

The association's director, Carol Boys, says she is "aware that a number of local authorities are unwilling to provide the support required to allow children with Down's syndrome to attend the school of their choice".

The association wants a change in admissions regulations which at present do not always oblige local authorities to offer a place in mainstream schools for children with Down's syndrome.

The survey revealed a "number of disparities" in the level of support in mainstream schools, varying from assistants being available for 37 hours a week to other schools in which they were available for only 1.5 hours.

There was also concern that 54% of learning assistants had no appropriate training for the needs of Down's syndrome students.

The association wants a change in admissions regulations which allow local authorities to avoid offering Down's syndrome children places in mainstream schools.

Parents wanting to send their children to mainstream schools have argued that they will be better socialised and encouraged to reach their potential when learning alongside pupils with a full range of abilities.