Forty eight schools throughout Essex will benefit from a £600,000 grant from the Department for Education. The Essex Funding Team has helped support schools apply for funding. The money will be used to provide courses this summer to help disadvantaged children make the transition from primary to secondary school education. The courses will last between one and two weeks.

The aim of the courses is to improve the education attainments of disadvantaged children. They will allow schools to familiarise themselves with their new pupils and their educational needs. They also let the pupils see their new secondary school environment. The courses may include catch up lessons for English and maths together with sporting activities.

The funding from the Department for Education was available to secondary schools, including academies. The government says evidence shows that there can be dip in performance when children move from primary to secondary school, with some unable to catch up.

The Essex Funding Team is part of Essex County Council which provides support for applications for external funding. The aim of the team is help provide the funding for services in new and innovative ways. It can also support other organisations applications for funding, as long as they provide services in support of council’s corporate priorities.

County Councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member for Education, Lifelong Learning and the 2012 Games, said: “Our aim is to provide as much help and support as possible for children so they can achieve the best they can in our education system. I believe it’s important that all children in Essex have the opportunity to benefit from a high quality education.”