Creativity project inspired

Ofsted, responsible for checking schools, says Creative Partnerships programmes are helping pupils develop good personal and social skills.

Creative Partnerships are run in the country's most deprived communities, to encourage youngsters' imaginations and ability to think freely.

Catherine Orbach, director of Creative Partnerships in Hastings and East Sussex, said: "We are delighted with the Ofsted findings. They support our excitement about developments in Hastings and East Sussex.

"Now that we've just moved into the second year of activity in the region, we are seeing schools beginning to choose to work with creative partners to address some of the most fundamental issues for their students.

"These include developing language skills, supporting the emotional well-being of children, engaging them in decision-making and looking at motivation in areas of the curriculum such as maths and science."