BLACKPOOL is to act as a pilot for a radical nationwide scheme to improve schooling for children with autism.

In the coming months, experts from the National Autistic Society and the Department for Education and Employment will visit the resort to monitor performance and achievements in a bid to set up a national assessment programme.

Along with results received from visits to Leicestershire and the London borough of Brent, the findings will be pooled for a national assessment programme for all education departments.

Blackpool has been chosen as the number of children with autism is far higher than the national average.

The resort also boasts a dedicated team which provides tailor-made schooling - a scheme which educationalists in Hungary have emulated.

Education chairman Eddie Collett commented: "Blackpool's exemplary success is evident in that our children are assessed for such learning at the age of four, much earlier than the national average of six, and none of the 71 autistic youngsters in the town are schooled at home.

"They all receive an education tailored to meet their specific needs in a setting which is best for them.

"The majority of our children are at primary and secondary schools where they and their teachers get top level help and support."

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