THREE Chester-le-Street schools are at the forefront of an experiment to open up schools to the community.
Bullion Lane and Newker primary schools and The Hermitage comprehensive took part in a pilot scheme to develop the idea of "schools for the community" by providing facilities for residents.
At Newker Primary a room was created, complete with baby changing facilities, for people coming in to school to attend workshops, meet teaching staff and see health and education professionals.
At Bullion Lane a breakfast club was set up and a community playground is to be refurbished to provide a safe environment for families.
Neil Foster, cabinet member for lifelong learning at Durham County Council, said the county was one of 25 pathfinders in the country piloting the scheme.
He said: "Our key priority is to raise standards and this new approach will not only be a vehicle to harness the potential offered by schools but also provide the foundation from which individuals can engage in lifelong learning to achieve their own full potential."
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