MEASURES to ensure all West Cheshire schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted have been unveiled by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families.

Councillor Nicole Meardon has outlined initiatives designed to support the council’s pledge to help schools reach or maintain one of the two highest inspection ratings by 2019.

Speaking at a conference of head teachers and chairmen of governors, Cllr Meardon said her priorities were to improve schools and raise the standards achieved by all children, especially those who are disadvantaged.

She announced the creation of a Cheshire West and Chester Education Improvement Board to share data and evidence of strengths and weaknesses, and identify priorities to agree actions to bring about further improvement across the borough.

The board will build on the collaboration and sharing of good practice between schools and providers. Cllr Meardon said: “We have some fantastic schools and providers in Cheshire West and some excellent examples of good practice in many areas.

“It is important to maintain the family of schools and providers and the strength of partnership working that has always been a feature of education in this area.”

Cllr Meardon also announced plans to create a permanent full-time head teacher post within the Council’s Education Service.

The role will involve championing the borough’s most vulnerable children, challenging schools, the local authority and its partners, and reporting and evaluating on impact.

“One of my key priorities as the lead Member is to keep a focus on closing the gap on educational attainment between children entitled to free school meals or those children in care, and those who are not,” she said.

She also highlighted recent reforms to Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, including the implementation of Education Health and Care Plans and the provision of the Local Offer over the past academic year.

Cllr Meardon said: “Education is our priority because it is the great leveller; it can help children overcome disadvantage and can change lives in many ways. That is why our new council is determined that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential.”