Helping hand for students

New cash boost for Lancashire schools will help pupils make the grade in English and maths

Struggling school pupils are getting extra lessons in maths and English - to make sure that they aren't held back in later life. Thousands of pupils will get one-to-one tuition during the coming year, thanks to £289,000 of government funding that has already helped nearly 800 pupils.

The first part of the scheme started in primary schools, with the aim of helping to ensure year six pupils are fully prepared for the important move to secondary school. This plan is already benefiting 100 schools across Lancashire. Staff are being supported through advice from primary advisers who help to develop individual programmes.

The project has been very well received by schools, pupils and parents and is having an impact on learning. For example, Skerton Community Primary School in Lancaster is benefiting from support for pupils in mathematics and literacy before they leave for secondary school.

The extra tuition is already boosting self-esteem and attitudes to learning through individualised programmes of work for pupils. From this month, there will be extra help for seven to 14-year-olds who are having difficulties in these key subjects.

County Councillor Vali Patel, Cabinet member for Schools, said: "Timely intervention can help pupils who are struggling to get the vital skills and confidence they need to improve their performance at school and to access learning throughout their lives.

"English and maths are very important subjects as they open the door to so much, both in terms of further study, job prospects and simply enjoying life to the full.

"I welcome this initiative and we will be working to make the best use of the funding."

The project is based on results from the Making Good Progress model which was run in 500 pilot schools for two years from September 2007. The project looked at ways of ensuring that pupils don't get "stuck" at any stage of their school life.