BURY schools are setting standards for others to follow.

The local authority has a particularly proud record in the classroom and the Office for Standards in Education is coming to town to find out more.

Bury Council has been selected as one of the first 12 local education authorities (LEAs) to be inspected by Ofsted officials working with the Audit Commission.

A detailed inspection will take place throughout 1998, and Ofsted officials will file their final report early next year.

Councillor David Ryder, education committee chairman, who will be interviewed during the inspection, said: "The first 12 LEAs have been selected from across the range of performance levels to see how they compare and in an attempt to share best practice.

"I welcome the inspection as long as it is done positively. But it must be recognised that it will place a tremendous burden on the first 12 LEAs. It will be harder for them and I expect the Ofsted officials to go through things with a fine tooth-comb.

"I hope the inspectors will take an understanding approach and will not come looking for trouble. But terriers will chase rabbits no matter which garden you put them in.

"The inspection is a big psychological thing for staff and Ofsted must realise that they are doing a tremendous job.

"Ofsted must have concern for the welfare of the people they are inspecting. I am sure they do and I am happy for officials to carry out the inspection. They have a job to do but they must realise that we do, too."

Local authority personnel can expect a grilling during the inspection. Borough education officer Mr Harold Williams has a two-hour interview to look forward to - he will be quizzed by three people.

In 1998, 27 primary schools and three high schools in Bury will face individual Ofsted inspections. Up to 25 schools will be visited as part of the LEA inspection.

Council officials could not guarantee that the same schools would not be inspected twice.

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