Extra cash for the 3Rs

December 03, 2001

PRIMARY schools in the north west today received £28m from the government to improve children's literacy and numeracy.

The money has been distributed among the local education authorities.

The cash, from a £192m national pot, provides for several initiatives.

Local authorities will provide extra classes for 10 and 11-year-olds who need more help, additional training for literacy and maths co-ordinators in every school, training for other teachers and the provision of expert literacy teachers and leading maths teachers to support colleagues.

Schools minister Catherine Aston said: ''This means more investment in our drive to raise standards in primary schools in the north west.

''We've achieved a great deal but we know there's more we can do together. Over the last four years, we have improved standards in the north west's primary schools.''

She said there had been a 10 per cent improvement in the number of 11-year-olds achieving the expected standard for their age in English tests. In maths there had been a 12 per cent improvement, she said.

''Teachers have worked extremely hard to deliver the improvements that have been made,'' the minister added.

''Our investment in these strategies, and the provision of high quality training for teachers have also been crucial in delivering higher standards. Today's announcement of £192m highlights our commitment to maintaining that support throughout the country.''

Bernard Stone, Manchester city council's executive member for education, also welcomed the money.

''I welcome any money being put into Manchester schools that can boost attainment levels,'' he said. ''I am sure the schools will use it to benefit children across the city.

''Literacy and numeracy are the most important subjects in schools. Children must be able to read and write to be able to achieve in life.''

Manchester has received £1.9m from the fund, Bolton £1.09m, Bury £788,000, Oldham £1.05m, Rochdale £980,000, Salford £978,000, Stockport £1.01m, Tameside £1.01m, Trafford £769,000, Wigan £1.23m and Warrington £744,000.