BLACKBURN with Darwen has been given the go-ahead to set up another Education Action Zone to improve literacy and numeracy standards.

Darwen Vale High School and its eight 'feeder' primary schools will receive £1million over three years following government approval. The project will be known as the 'Venture Zone'.

This follows the set-up of the Blackburn with Darwen Education Action Zone in 1998, which was one of the first in the country. This zone covers three secondary schools, 15 primaries, three nurseries and a special school.

The 'Venture Zone' will work closely with the existing Education Action Zone (EAZ).

The government introduced EAZs in 1997 to raise educational standards in rural and urban areas by sharing good practice in teaching and learning.

In the 'Venture Zone' advisory teachers will be brought in to work in literacy and numeracy alongside existing teachers. And family support workers will be recruited to support pupils and families who face tough home lives. The 'Venture Zone' will see the council joining forces with local businesses, police and health organisations to improve standards.

Headteacher Lynn Dunning said: "Darwen Vale High School has made significant progress recently and we welcome the opportunity to work with other schools to raise standards and develop further good practice."

Lisa Bibby, the project direct of the Venture Zone, said: "Our vision for the venture zone is to create educational excellence for all, making a real difference for our young people.

"I am really impressed by the willingness of all of the schools to work together targeting resources at those schools and pupils that are most in need."

Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, executive member for education and lifelong learning at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said he was delighted that better learning opportunities would be extended to more pupils.