HEADTEACHERS and other school staff have celebrated a rise in the achievement of city youngsters following a special initiative.

The success of the Worcester Education Achievement Zone (WEAZ) was celebrated at Elgar Technology College this week.

Staff have pledged to ensure the work that has seen children reach better standards will continue.

"We'll be carrying on with the Better Reading programme," said Angela Deakin, headteacher at St Barnabas CE Primary School.

This involves teaching assistants teaming up with a child to concentrate on reading twice a week for 20 minutes during a 10-week period.

"The Zone has meant our teaching assistants have received training, which has been wonderful. It has helped a number of children,'' said Mrs Deakin.

"We've also done a lot with information and communication technology and given some children independent learning opportunities.

"We couldn't have afforded to do this without the EAZ."

The Zone was set up by Worcestershire County Council in April, 1998, but did not start operating until 2000.

Half a million pounds has been invested, with the 13 schools involved in the zone having the opportunity to spend the money according to their needs.

"We addressed the money to where the needs were greatest," said Trish Hird, head at Northwick Manor Junior School.

"We serve a more privileged background, but it's made a vital contribution to the things we've been able to do.

"We looked at what we could do for the children in our school and focus on the most needy as well as giving opportunities to the more able children. It's addressed every child. Everything is in place now and it will continue to grow."

Other schools involved in the WEAZ were Elgar Technology College, Claines CE Primary, Cranham Primary, Elbury Mount Primary, Gorse Hill Primary, Lyppard Grange Primary, Northwick Manor Infants, Perdiswell Primary, St George's CE Primary, St Joseph's RC Primary and Warndon Infants.