HEADTEACHERS have welcomed a new education and skills scrutiny committee which will put the focus on standards of education across the district.

The aim of the committee is to improve the aspiration and attainment of young people, including the impact of families moving into the district, and supporting the recruitment and training of school governors.

Headteacher at Mayflower Primary School Tony Coppin has welcomed Tendring Council’s plans.

“Anything the local council can do is welcomed," he said.

“There is a problem with the education standards in Tendring generally but not so much in Harwich and Dovercourt.

“The standards in primary schools in are high especially in terms of Dovercourt and Harwich.

“I think the council will mainly be working with secondary schools.

“But it will be a good idea.”

Carlo Guglielmi, cabinet member for planning and corporate services, said although education is not a function of the district council it does come under the council’s community leadership role.

“The whole idea is to work alongside people out there who are on the frontline to help to achieve better outcomes for our young people."