HEADTEACHERS have joined forces to create a super-decision making body for a borough’s schools and colleges.

Representatives from all schools, colleges and training providers across Blackburn with Darwen will meet every few months to agree on policy and will be encouraged to share ideas that work with the rest.

The newly launched alliance, called the Education Improvement Partnership, is aimed at sharing the workload, so schools and colleges are not duplicating the work of others when setting up new schemes.

In between regular full meetings, members will take part in smaller working groups which will focus on special education issues.

EIP members include representatives from all secondary, special and primary schools, the borough’s pupil referral unit, Blackburn College, St Mary’s College, Training 2000 and the Council.

They have already identified a set of priorities for the coming year, including looking at how standards can be raised through specialist subjects, supporting developments in the curriculum for 14 to 19 year olds and improving standards of behaviour and levels of attendance across the partnership.

EIP chair Lynn Dunning said: “We are all committed to achieving better outcomes for children and young people and believe that working together to share good practice and plan for the future will help to improve services and raise standards of education.

“The launch of this partnership is a significant milestone in our efforts to support the needs and aspirations of young people in the borough.”

Councillor Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said: “There are many new and exciting developments in education, including increasing use of technology and investment through Building Schools for the Future.

“Working together will help schools and post 16 education providers to more effectively manage the changes ahead and achieve the best possible outcomes.”