BLACKBURN education bosses today said more than ever was being done to help teachers know what was required of them to pass Ofsted inspections.

Since a new framework was introduced in September, concern has been growing that teachers are ill-prepared for new standards required to avoid lessons being dubbed as inadequate.

Today Ian Kendrick, deputy director of Education and Lifelong Learning, said School Improvement Officers had upped their contact with schools to make them aware of the implications of changes.

"The new framework places still greater emphasis on the quality of teaching and learning," he said.

"There is increased expectation that schools self-evaluation is comprehensive and accurate. We are working closely with schools to refine their monitoring procedures, such as lesson observation and feedback to improve teaching."

Blackburn with Darwen council was left reeling in February when two of its high schools were put into special measures by Ofsted.

Gareth Dawkins, new headteacher of Darwen Moorland, brought in to turn the failing school around, said: "Whenever the accountability framework changes, schools need to be brought up to speed. I have been here a week now and am really impressed with the level of support from the LEA for schools and clarity about what they are trying to achieve."