EDUCATION chiefs have launched an action plan to tackle sloppy English in East Lancashire schools.

And bosses will put "pressure" on schools to raise their standards.

Levels of reading and writing in primary and secondary schools are below national average and this has been reflected in poor GCSE and A-level results.

Inspectors who have visited school across the county found around one fifth of English lessons were not satisfactory.

Now Lancashire County Council chiefs say improving literacy levels in schools is a key priority, following new Education Secretary David Blunkett's calls for performance to be raised.

The county's English team will be reorganised and a special adviser on literacy appointed.

The council is also developing a three year 'Lancashire Literacy Plan' to achieve targets above national expectations and will monitor the progress of individual schools.

A report to councillors says: "The challenge for the Local Education Authority is to provide leadership, inspiration, structures and pressure for schools to succeed."

Education experts are also looking at raising standards in maths in primary and secondary schools, which are currently in line with national levels.

Members of the council's Schools and Quality Sub-Committee will discuss the matters at a meeting on Tuesday.

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