A NEW centre for education staff training in literacy and numeracy could be set up by Halton Council at Norton Priory comprehensive.

With the National Literacy Strategy underway and the National Numeracy Strategy starting next April, the council needs a professional development centre for ongoing training and support of staff in schools and other education services.

At their meeting tonight (Wednesday), members of the Education Committee will receive a report on the proposals.

Governors at Norton Priory have agreed to release one wing and the sixth form block at the Runcorn school, which would provide the Local Education Authority with a self-contained facility and also benefit the school by reducing its excess capacity.

The wing is suitable for use as a centre because there are large and small spaces for meetings and training, plus a kitchen/lounge area and office space.

There would be some initial costs to set up the centre and a request for funding has been submitted to the Department for Education and Employment.

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