Plan to revive failing school standards

Government education bosses are to be given details of a plan to reverse declining school standards in Northumberland.

The county's Local Education Authority (LEA) was strongly criticised in a recent report by government inspectors.

The damning report said the work of the LEA had deteriorated over the past four years recent years and was ineffective and unsatisfactory.

The county's education officials were criticised for failing to offer quality support and guidance to schools struggling to maintain educational standards.

Northumberland County Council is currently assessing how to cope with the problem of up to 7,000 surplus school places.

The authority has already agreed to one school closure, with more likely in the coming months.

'Excellent service'

Now an action plan outlining the way ahead for education in Northumberland has been sent to the government and to schools throughout the county.

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Michael Davey, said: "We are committed to providing an excellent education service for the 21st Century so that all children, young people and adults in Northumberland, can fulfil their potential.

"I am sure with everyone working together we have a very positive future."

As part of the action plan staff and experts from neighbouring Gateshead have been brought in to improve working relationships and teaching methods.

The partnership board is led by Professor Tony Edwards, formerly Professor of Education at Newcastle University.

Continuous improvement

Professor Edwards said: "It is a challenging role but I have no doubt we will be successful.

"A collaborative approach with the schools working closely together with the county council is essential for an action plan to succeed."

He said the action plan outlines ways of working together to secure continuous improvement as well as improving support for schools and better consultation with head teachers and governors.

A final version of the plan is being submitted to the Department of Education and Skills (DfES) and Ofsted at the end of December.

The critical Ofsted report highlighted failures in aiding schools where pupils were under-achieving and said senior officials are too quick to blame under-funding for delays in responding to problems.