NEW plans published by the Department of Education have identified Bury as a 'cold spot' where education outcomes are at their weakest.

The list of designated 55 ‘Education Investment Areas’ throughout the UK will receive extra Government investment, aiming to ensure high achieving children from disadvantaged backgrounds can succeed academically.

The paper sets a new national mission to ensure 90 per cent of children leaving primary school reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths by 2030.

Bury North MP James Daly said: “Special education needs provision is woefully inadequate from Bury Council.

“From my conversations with parents, families and young people, the service and support they receive have not been satisfactory.

“Some of the most vulnerable in our community have been let down.

“That’s why I very much welcome this additional support from Government to kick start Bury Council’s provision and improve the support and intervention families in our borough receive.

“We are lucky enough to have fantastic teachers and support staff within our borough who are committed to ensuring each child has the best chance to thrive and succeed no matter their personal circumstances.

“Bury’s confirmation as an Education Investment Area will bring more support and extra funding for schools within our area and provide increased monies for skills training which will play a crucial role in the Prime Minister’s Levelling Up Agenda.”

Schools in such areas will also be given support to address wider issues, with a pilot scheme to tackle low attendance.

Councils across the scheme will be given £30m over three years to establish additional respite placement to provide opportunities for disabled children and give family a carers a some respite so they can take better care of vulnerable children in the long term.

The 55 places included as Education Investment areas also include Bolton, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, children's services cabinet member, said: "Improving educational outcomes for all Bury children is a key priority for Bury Council and we are working closely with our school leaders to achieve this.

“We therefore welcome investment that will lead to improved outcomes for our children and young people.

"We have schools that serve local communities who experience significant disadvantage and this is often reflected in children's educational attainment.

“It is good the Department for Education recognises the need to invest further and we look forward to working with them to get more details of the plans so we can improve the life chances of all our children.”

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “The most valuable resource on the planet is the human resource. Investing in people to get on in life and receive the best possible education is core to the mission of this Government, and we are determined to help people gain the knowledge and skills needed to unleash their potential.”