December 14, 2000 12:52: Children under the care of social services will benefit from a new initiative aimed at improving the standard of education they receive.

Each school with children under the care of social services will designate a teacher with the responsibility of overseeing their education.

A personal education plan will be drawn up for each child and their academic performance will be continually monitored.

The initiative will also cover children under the care of Hillingdon social services, who are schooled outside the borough.

Director of the council's youth and leisure department Philip O'Hear said: "With the help of the designated teachers, we want these young people to receive continuity and stability in their education and ensure they realise their full academic potential."

The training of designated teachers will begin early in the new year and is expected to be completed by July 2001.