EDUCATION chiefs say they are addressing the current issues in some schools in Poole surrounding progress levels.

It comes after the Daily Echo reported that Poole was the worst performing local authority in the country as far as progress in writing among middle school children was concerned.

Cllr Janet Walton, cabinet portfolio holder for children, young people and families, put a policy before council on Tuesday, which has been passed.

The policy sets out its aim as ensuring that the standards in all of Poole’s schools will be maintained to the current ‘high’ level of attainment.

It also states that the performance of the academies, which are no longer controlled by local authorities, continue to be monitored.

Cllr Walton said: “We are very disappointed with the information we have regarding Poole’s Key Stage 2 results, but we are committed to working with all of our primary schools on a robust action plan to address the issues.”

Sue Langdon, senior advisor of school improvement at Borough of Poole said: “In terms of Key Stage One and Two, 89 per cent of our schools are rated good or outstanding and this puts us as 20th out of 151 local authorities.”

“For secondary schools, 78 per cent are rated good or better.

“As a local authority, the schools have already met once as part of the Poole Schools Association and this is to give them the chance to meet together, and support each other.”

Jan Thurgood, Strategic Director of People Theme, said: “We have had a drop and in particular, there has been an issue in writing, which we are looking to address.

“Each school and head teacher is responsible for their own standards. However, we are working individually and all together to work out a plan for creating a consistent level.”