UNION leaders will not make an exemption for special needs children when nursery nurses go on all-out strike on Monday.

Unison confirmed yesterday that the only exception will be for those children deemed to be at risk.

A spokesman said the decision reflected the union's standard exemption policy.

''It's impossible for us to go on strike without people suffering,'' he said.

However, Unison's decision was last night described as ''surprising and disappointing'' by Cosla, the employers' group.

Pat Watters, Cosla president, said many of the parents of children with special needs would find the decision not to make a special allowance for them unforgivable.

Mr Watters also expressed his genuine surprise and annoyance at the decision to strike and pointed out that in any other local government disputes the most vulnerable within our communities were always protected.