Local MP, Gordon Prentice has praised the work of three Pendle schools which are taking part in the “Every Child Counts” programme. Designed to improve the maths skills of the poorest six or seven year olds, the programme has had a dramatic effect in its first year, with children in the county making over 14 months’ progress in their number development after just three months of daily one-to-one lessons.

The MP said: “Two schools in Pendle which have been running the programme in its development phase have both had very good results. At Lord Street in Colne the teacher running the scheme didn’t at first think such good progress would be possible, but is very pleased with last year’s results. Walverden Primary School in Nelson tells a similar story. Gisburn Road School in Barnoldswick has started Year One of the programme.”

“To judge by all the reports this is going to be a very successful initiative and I look forward to seeing it rolled out more widely.”

Note to Editors
Every Child Counts is a partnership initiative between the Every Child a Chance Trust and the government. For further details go to
http://www.everychildachancetrust.org/pubs/ECC_first_year_results.pdf